As Seen on Strictly: Musicals Week

Strictly’s Musicals Week was an unforgettable episode with some wonderfully memorable dances – and costumes – from the remaining six couples.

“Themed weeks are always tricky,” says costume designer Vicky Gill. “Designing a frock that will move with ease for the dance style, while still maintaining the look required is often a brain tease.”

We’re sure you’ll agree that, as always, Vicky and her team rose to the challenge with great gusto. Thank you to everyone for the lovely compliments and feedback, which came our way on Twitter and helped us to pick our three favourites.

Sadly, we said a fond farewell to Charles Venn and Karen Clifton, whose rumba to Maria was their last dance on the show. But there’s still time to celebrate Karen’s stunning dress, which is one of our picks this week…

DSI London’s stunning White Victorian Lace was used for the leotard base over Tan Lycra and gathered White Satin framed the neckline and cuffs of the sleeves.  

The stunning embellishment on the bodice was created by White flatback pearls, Transmission and White Opal rhinestones.

“White Georgette over Carnation Pearl Chiffon was used in the skirt,” explains Vicky. “It gave a little hint of colour, giving light and shade.”

Another stunning frock was Ashley Roberts’ quickstep dress to Don’t Rain On My Parade. “Tangerine Mesh was dyed to extinguish the vibrancy of colour for the outer layer immediately putting the viewer at ease,” says Vicky. “Black-covered buttons were positioned in a small square to fall in line with a small section of black at the centre front of the dress. A Tangerine Lycra leotard lining peeping through gave a little hint of excitement but not too much…”

Of course, as it’s Strictly, we needed a bit of bling, so Apricot crystals were worked through the bodice and basque to add some much-needed shine for Saturday night. Finally a three-tier skirt with Tangerine Georgette lining added some wonderful shape and movement, which was perfect for the quickstep.

Finally, Lauren Steadman’s dress was a huge hit with the audience. “This colour combination worked a treat for Lauren,” says Vicky. “Cream Mesh over Champagne gave a hint of colour through the cream.

A similar approach was used in the skirt, with a hint of Champagne showing through. “The top skirt was made up of pleated half circles in both Pearl Chiffon and Georgette to give light and shade.”

For that all-important Strictly sparkle, a combination of flatback Pearls, Topaz, Transmission and White Opal crystals were added across the bodice.

It’s been a busy week for Vicky and her team this week, with each couple doing two dances and the final approaching very quickly.

Can Vicky reveal anything about what we can expect? “It will be bigger and better than ever,” she says. “The information on the showdances is growing by the day! It’s all sounding very exciting but until we know who is leaving it is very difficult to make a start.

“I am sure it is not going to disappoint,” she smiles. “And if that’s not enough, we still have the Christmas show to look forward to.”