The Newshound

Strictly's first triple dance-off sparks controversy and emotional reactions as Halloween week claims its fifth couple

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 November 2026 · last updated 3 November 2026.

Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal scored just 26 points out of 40 for their Ghostbusters tango, leaving them second from bottom on the leaderboard before the vote went unanimously against them.
Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal scored just 26 points out of 40 for their Ghostbusters tango, leaving them second from bottom on the leaderboard before the vote went unanimously against them.
Lawrence Robb and his professional partner Jowita Przystal, whose elimination came after a triple dance-off — the first in Strictly's history — against two other bottom-placed couples.
Lawrence Robb and his professional partner Jowita Przystal, whose elimination came after a triple dance-off — the first in Strictly's history — against two other bottom-placed couples.

Lawrence Robb, the Inverclyde footballer paired with his pro partner, called the show's first-ever triple dance-off "surreal" after being eliminated on Halloween night, becoming the fifth couple to leave Strictly 2026. The historic twist — which saw three couples face the judges simultaneously — drew widespread anger from viewers who called it unfair and overly harsh.

Jaime Winstone made an emotional admission after surviving the triple dance-off, saying the experience left her shaken.

Lacey Turner is now the bookmakers' hot favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy, according to updated odds covering all ten remaining celebrities.

Lawrence's three-word verdict on the twist was seized on by fans, with the mood among eliminated contestants and viewers firmly against the new format.

MoreThe IndependentStrictly Come Dancing twist sparks viewer fury over harsh eliminationThe ScotsmanStrictly Come Dancing 2026 Latest Odds: All 10 remaining celebs' chances ratedAOL News UKStrictly star Jaime Winstone makes emotional admission following dance-offsAOL News UKStrictly's Lawrence shares three word verdict on dance-off twistEvening StandardStrictly 2026: First triple dance-off leads to Halloween exit for fifth coupleYahoo News UKInverclyde's Lawrence Robb voted off Strictly after historic dance off
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