Celebs starstruck as Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo soars into Movie Week

Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo brought a touch of Wicked glam to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night.

The Oscar nominee, who plays Elphaba in the popular film, has taken on a new role as Strictly’s first guest mentor and wowed some celebrities.

“She’s a true goddess,” model and actor Ellie Goldstein said after praising Erivo’s energy at the dance show’s annual movie-themed week.

After showering Amber Davies with praise, the former Love Islander said it was the “best day of her life”.

Davies said he felt like a “proud parent” watching Erivo dance, then added, “She’s everything I want to be.”

This marks Erivo’s return to the show, after being a guest judge for two weeks in 2021, and sparked a huge backlash on social media.

“I loved how much it boosted the confidence of each contestant.” wrote an X userduring another She said she would have “shed tears” if Erivo had told her she was “gorgeous.”

Erivo wasn’t the only one giving a nod to Wicked at Saturday night’s show.

The opening dance routine for movie week was inspired by the film’s sequel, Wicked: For Good, which hits theaters next month.

Female professional dancers wore black dresses like the Wicked Witch of the West in the movie, while the men channeled their inner Prince Fiyero.

Set against a green and blue backdrop, the number was theatrical, dramatic and… a little spooky.

Elsewhere, it was a truly cinematic evening as Strictly contestants came into character for film week.

The highest score of the night went to Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, who entered the top 10 of the series.

For their routine, Cope and professional dance partner Katya Jones took on the classic movie The Mask of Zorro and performed a Paso Double to the song The Plaza of Execution.

In total, they received 37 points from the judges, with head judge Shirley Ballas calling their routine “outstanding”.

We also saw Goldstein live out her Barbie dreams by performing daring dives, squats and twists in a silver sequined jumpsuit; Davies and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey were also impressed.

TikTok user George Clarke scored 31 points with the couple’s dance of choice, inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Artist La Voix’s waltz left the audience and the jury in stunned silence after the magical waltz in which she transformed into Mary Poppins. Erivo described her performance as “beautiful” and “vulnerable”.

But movies have endings, and they’re not always happy.

Someone will have to go home Sunday night.