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Cynthia Erivo is set to return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, this time as the show’s first-ever guest mentor. The celebrated British actress and singer, best known for her stunning West End and Broadway performances and her upcoming role in Wicked: For Good, will lend her expertise to this year’s Movie Week, airing on October 11th.
The Wicked star, who previously joined Strictly as a guest judge in 2021, will guide this year’s celebrities and professional dancers as they prepare for one of the series’ most popular themed weeks.
Strictly adds “Hollywood magic”
According to insiders, Cynthia won’t just appear on the judging panel but will actively mentor the couples in the rehearsal rooms in the days leading up to their performances.
A source told The Sun:
“Strictly wanted to sprinkle some real Hollywood magic on to Movie Week and have Cynthia coming on board to help train the stars. She’ll be working with all the celebrities in the rehearsal rooms in the lead-up, then will be live in the Strictly studio to give her feedback on their routines.”
After mentoring the couples, Cynthia will join judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke to share her expert critiques and scores.
The British West End favourite is making another appearance during Movie Week later this month, joining the pros for a magical Wicked-inspired performance – Credit: Universal
Wicked takes centre stage
Adding to the glitz, Movie Week will feature a special professional routine inspired by Wicked, marking a major tie-in with the upcoming release of Wicked: For Good. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, is one of the most anticipated cinema events of the year, with its UK release scheduled for November 21.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, giving Strictly fans an early taste of the movie magic while celebrating the legacy of one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
A star with global acclaim
Erivo, 37, has become one of Britain’s most successful exports in recent years. After rising to fame in the West End production of The Color Purple, she went on to win Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards, earning global acclaim for both her acting and music. Her move to Hollywood has cemented her as a leading figure in stage and screen, and her involvement in Strictly is set to delight fans.
For Strictly, her participation represents a new step in the show’s evolution, blending celebrity performances with world-class mentorship.
Fans react with excitement
Strictly’s Movie Week is a highlight of every series, and the news of Erivo’s involvement has already sparked excitement among fans. Many have praised the BBC for bringing in such a high-calibre star, with one fan on social media commenting: “Cynthia Erivo is the perfect choice. She’ll bring so much heart and passion to Movie Week.”
With dazzling routines, Hollywood glamour, and the added sparkle of a Wicked tie-in, this year’s Movie Week is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.
