Strictly Come Dancing fans 'gutted' as Tess and Claudia make huge announcement

This evening, Strictly Come Dancing took a breather from the themed weeks following an action-packed Movie Week last Saturday, but viewers were left disappointed at the start of tonight's live show as it was revealed Halloween Week had been 'postponed'.

At the beginning of the programme, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly revealed that "nobody wants to leave" with the show's Icon Special next week. Nevertheless, fans were left baffled as they had been anticipating the yearly Halloween Week next week. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: "If they're doing Icons week next week then when is Halloween? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," as another posted: "Is there no Halloween #strictly this year? The following Saturday is 1 November." "So if its Idol week next week Is Halloween Week on the 1st?" questioned another, whilst a fourth responded: "The 1st Nov :-) it seems like they've swapped the weeks as I'm sure the original plan indicated it was the other way round," reports the Mirror.

Last month, Strictly unveiled their schedule for the week, with Icons Week placed on November 1, with Halloween Week scheduled for October 25.

Now, it appears the show has opted for an eleventh-hour change and swapped the two.

It's not the only last-minute alteration the show has faced, with Amber Davies stepping in for Dani Dyer due to injury.

Additionally, this week saw the return of Stefan Dennis and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell as the two were forced to skip last week's live show a day before, due to Stefan being unwell.

Taking to their official Instagram account last Friday, the programme revealed: "Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

"In lines with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be able to dance again."

Responding to the post, Stefan's dance partner Dianne Buswell, who is expecting her first baby with partner Joe Sugg, wrote: "Sending all my Aussie love Steffo. I know how much you wanted to dance!"

The performer had experienced a spell of vertigo but following urgent medical care and a week of rest, he has now returned and is prepared to wow the judges with his Charleston routine.

When questioned by presenter Fleur East about what led to his absence, he said: "I had a little bit of a turn, a little bit of an episode of vertigo. It was all ok made myself alright again with the help of some good people at the hospital. I've got to say to everybody out there, thank you for all the lovely well wishes."