News: Week 9 preview

Eight couples remain in the running for the Strictly title. This week, they've been hard at work on the following dances:

John & Kristina - American Smooth
Tom & Camilla - Salsa
Christine & Matthew - Waltz
Lisa & Brendan - Samba
Austin & Erin - Tango
Cherie & James - Cha Cha
Jodie & Ian - Quickstep
Rachel & Vincent - Rumba

John may not be winning over our judges, but he's certainly making a good impression on you at home. This week, he'll be performing a sweet American Smooth. At the opposite end of last week's judges' leader board was Tom. On Saturday, our playful actor will perform the Salsa.

It's back to Ballroom for Christine, who's been working on a romantic Waltz routine. At times during training, her dance partner Matthew Cutler said it felt like he was dancing with a pro. Lisa has been training hard on the Samba this week, and is hoping to nail this technically difficult dance.

Austin slipped down the judges' leader board last week, but he'll be hoping to bounce straight back with the Tango - a dance he's been looking forward to it since week one. Meanwhile, Cherie is determined to prove that she can dance Latin with a fiery Cha Cha routine.

Jodie is performing a Quickstep this week - adjusting to the speed of the dance has been a challenge for our model student, but she's made good progress. After finding herself in the dance-off last week, Rachel is determined to wow everyone with a passionate Rumba. Her dance partner Vincent says this will be the most passionate rumba Strictly has ever seen...

On Sunday's results show, Brucie will be taking to the stage... with Anton Du Beke to perform 'Me and My Shadow'. Legendary singer Tom Jones will be on the show for a very special performance; and our pro dancers will perform a special Cha Cha/Swing routine to 'Kiss' by Prince and Respect by Aretha Franklin.