Strictly Come Dancing is turning up the glamour for Icons Week, with the professional dancers preparing a spectacular tribute to pop superstar Madonna. First-look photos reveal a series of instantly recognisable looks inspired by the singer’s decades-long career, while the celebrities get ready to perform to songs from some of music’s biggest names.

The weekend will also feature a separate tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, making this year’s Icons Week a celebration of two very different musical icons.

Strictly professionals take on Madonna’s legendary eras

The professional dancers are joining forces for a Madonna-inspired group performance, but the ambitious choreography has proved challenging even for the experienced performers.

Amy Dowden revealed that the routine has been particularly demanding during rehearsals.

“This week’s group number for Icons Week is Madonna. The choreography is very tough,” she explained.

Dowden will channel Madonna’s iconic Vogue era in a look featuring a white shirt, black tie, black corset and trousers. The demanding voguing choreography has even left her wrists aching.

Despite the physical challenge, she believes the finished performance will be worth the effort, predicting that Icons Week will be “phenomenal.”

Choreographer Jake Leigh has also teased the scale of the tribute, explaining that the routine will cover Madonna’s career from the 1980s through to 2026, incorporating as many of her songs as possible.

Jowita Przystał will take inspiration from Madonna’s Music era, complete with a white cowboy hat. She also faces a nerve-racking moment during the performance, as she is expected to be thrown into the air despite her fear of heights.

Other costumes draw inspiration from Madonna’s Marie Antoinette-inspired styling, her purple lace look associated with The Virgin Tour and the striking red flamenco dress from “La Isla Bonita.”

Dolly Parton receives a special ballroom tribute

Madonna will not be the only legendary performer celebrated during the weekend.

Singer Belles will honour Dolly Parton during Sunday’s results show with a performance of “Jolene,” accompanied by Strictly professionals Amy Dowden and Kai Widdrington.

Belles previously recorded and released a duet with Parton titled “Son of Jolene,” making the tribute particularly meaningful.

Parton died in August 2026 at the age of 80, according to the source report. The performance will celebrate the enduring legacy of one of country music’s most recognisable voices.

All the celebrity dances for Icons Week

Twelve celebrity couples are scheduled to compete, each performing to a song associated with a major musical artist.

The announced lineup includes Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu dancing the Cha Cha to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin performing a Rumba to Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu taking on a Paso Doble to David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.”

Other performances include Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola dancing the American Smooth to Adele’s “Hometown Glory,” Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon performing a Tango to Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita taking on a Samba to RAYE’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”

The remaining couples will perform to music associated with ABBA, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, James Brown and Elton John.

Delta Goodrem will not dance this week after suffering a rib injury. She has been given a bye and could return for Week 5, subject to medical clearance.

When to watch Strictly Come Dancing

Icons Week begins on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with the live show airing on BBC One from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

The results show follows on Sunday, October 18, from 7:10 p.m. to 8 p.m. One celebrity couple will leave the competition following the dance-off.

With an ambitious Madonna spectacular, a Dolly Parton tribute and a packed celebrity lineup, Icons Week promises plenty of memorable performances on the ballroom floor.

Source: Compiled from various sources