Strictly 2026: Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał eliminated after 3-couple dance-off

Lawrence Robb and professional dancer Jowita Przystał left Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, November 1, after becoming the fifth couple eliminated from the 2026 series. The exit followed a special results show that introduced a three-way dance-off, a format change that saw three couples reperform their routines instead of the standard two.

The competition typically eliminates one couple per week based on audience votes and judge scores. However, this week's show deviated from that structure. The broadcast featured a Halloween theme, with costumes and routines designed around spooky characters. The format twist meant that Robb, 34, and Przystał, 32, faced off against Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu.

The three pairs performed their previously choreographed dances. Antonia and Xu executed a Jive to "I'm In Love With a Monster" by Fifth Harmony. Winstone and Gu performed a Salsa to "Filthy/Gorgeous" by Scissor Sisters. Robb and Przystał danced a Tango to "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.

Following the performances, the judges cast votes to determine which pair they wanted to eliminate. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke all voted to remove Robb and Przystał. Motsi Mabuse held the deciding vote but stated she would have voted for the same couple if her vote had been required. The decision was unanimous among the judging panel.

The scoring from the initial performances placed Robb and Przystał in second-to-last position. They received 26 points out of a possible 40. They were scored above Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, and Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita. Winstone and Gu received 27 points, while Antonia and Xu received 30 points.

Viewer reactions to the elimination focused on the new three-way format. Many social media users described the twist as unfair. One user, @salyward, argued it was unjust to eliminate Robb during his first dance-off, noting that Winstone, a three-time dance-off competitor, had reached a plateau. Another user, @HoneyburnBooks, called the triple dance-off "stupid." @stanmissjaida claimed the soap star was only included in the dance-off because of the format change.

Other viewers expressed disappointment at Robb's departure. @Henry92589880 said they did not expect him to leave so soon. @ChrisJW1987 described himself as "absolutely devastated." @C4R013256 questioned the purpose of the twist, asking why the show bothered with a three-way dance-off if only one couple was eliminated.

The show's resident critic Craig Revel Horwood welcomed the format change when it was announced the previous week. He joked, "My time has finally arrived!" The three-way dance-off is a one-time occurrence. The show will return to its standard format next weekend.

The results show also featured a group routine by the professional dancers to "Dracula" by Tame Impala. The performance included a vocal cameo from Sir Ian McKellen, 80, who recorded an extract from Bram Stoker's Dracula for the climax of the routine. The segment was led by Alexis Warr and Nikita Kuzmin. The episode concluded with a performance to music by Becky Hill, featuring new professional dancers Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.