Wicked’s Glow Reaches Strictly Come Dancing
When the lights dimmed for Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing, the energy in the studio leapt to a new plane. Oscar-nominated actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, known to fans worldwide for her breakout role as Elphaba in Wicked, arrived as Strictly’s first ever guest mentor. Her appearance brought a wave of excitement and a dollop of Wicked glamour to the annual Movie Week, a highlight of the BBC ballroom calendar.
Erivo’s Return Sparks a Fan Frenzy
Erivo’s visit marks a warm return to Strictly, following a two-week stint as a guest judge in 2021. This time, she didn’t judge from a panel—she swooped in as a mentor, offering encouragement, feedback, and an extra dose of star power. The social chatter was immediate, with fans celebrating her presence and praising the boost she gave to several couples on the dance floor.
“A True Goddess” and a Confidence Booster
One of the night’s standout moments came as Erivo praised contestants’ energy, prompting Ellie Goldstein—an acclaimed model and actor—to remark that she found Erivo “a true goddess.” The moment underscored Erivo’s influence beyond her film credentials: a guiding voice that can elevate performances and calm nerves alike. The vibe on set suggested a partnership rather than a critique, with Erivo helping participants channel the movie-week magic into their routines.
Conversations with Amber Davies
Amber Davies, the former Love Island contestant who has continued to shine on Strictly’s dance floor, described the experience as the “best day of her life” after receiving Erivo’s praise. The warmth between mentor and dancer highlighted the collaborative spirit of Movie Week, where the goal is to weave cinematic storytelling into ballroom and Latin forms. Erivo’s remarks reportedly left a lasting impression, feeding the confidence of performers who were momentarily overwhelmed by the high-stakes energy of competition week.
A Nod to Wicked: Thematic Visuals and Sequel Hints
Erivo’s appearance wasn’t the only Wicked connection of the night. The opening routine paid homage to the film’s universe and teased the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good. The ensemble’s choreography and the stage design tapped into the film’s iconic aesthetics, with female professional dancers donning black dresses reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West and male dancers embracing the suave swagger of Prince Fiyero. Set against a green-and-blue backdrop, the performance felt theatrical and a touch spooky, in keeping with the franchise’s signature mood.
What Movie Week Means for Strictly
Movie Week has long been a fan favorite on Strictly Come Dancing, offering a chance for contestants to reinterpret familiar screen moments through dance. This year’s edition with a Wicked-inspired opener and Erivo’s mentorship adds a fresh layer: it blends contemporary pop culture with classic ballroom technique, encouraging couples to experiment with character, emotion, and narrative pacing. For viewers, the spectacle is a reminder of how versatile Strictly can be when Hollywood glamour meets the studio’s precision and warmth.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of a Guest Mentor
Having a guest mentor who resonates beyond the typical judging panel may influence how contestants approach routines in the weeks to follow. Erivo’s ability to recognize effort, uplift performers, and offer practical tips aligns with Strictly’s broader aim: to celebrate progress, artistry, and resilience on the dance floor. As social conversations continue to reflect on her impact, fans may look forward to more moments where music, cinema, and dance intersect in unexpected ways.
In sum, Cynthia Erivo’s appearance as Strictly’s first guest mentor during Movie Week delivered much more than star wattage. It offered guidance, sparked nostalgia for Wicked, and reinforced the show’s enduring appeal as a space where celebrities and professional dancers collaborate to tell stories through movement.
