Strictly dance-off twist: show introduces first triple elimination

Strictly's latest twist could save its strongest dancers

The change will be introduced during Saturday's show on 31 October, when three contestants will find themselves facing the judges. 

Under the usual format, only two couples enter the dance-off, but this time the panel will have to decide which two deserve another chance and who should leave the competition.

Former Strictly professional Ian Waite believes the expanded format could prevent accomplished dancers from being eliminated after one disappointing performance. 

Speaking to The Mirror, he argued that the dance-off gives contestants an opportunity to be judged on what they do on the dancefloor, without their popularity influencing the decision.

"It's a good way of making sure that really good dancers don't go home," Waite said. "It's a great addition because it's judged on the dancing and not just popularity. The judges are quite fair in that they do judge it on that performance."

Ian Waite reveals why he never feared the Strictly dance-off

The dance-off has been used on Strictly since series five, shifting the final decision away from the public vote and into the hands of the judging panel. 

Waite has previously described this as a fairer way to assess contestants, as the judges are expected to focus on the performance in front of them.

Despite his years as a professional on the BBC show, Waite never had to compete in a dance-off himself. 

He later appeared on the Australian version for three years and was relieved to avoid the same experience there, too.

The Halloween special will now put the familiar format to a new test, with the judges having to choose between three couples before the competition can continue.