Strictly Come Dancing fans have taken to social media to express outrage over what they perceive as unfair scoring by the judges during the latest episode. The BBC show returned on Saturday with six couples competing for a place in next week's competition, but viewers were quick to criticise the marks awarded.
Performances included Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe's sultry Rumba to I'm Here from The Colour Purple, and Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's Charleston to Popular from Wicked. Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec performed an Argentine Tango to Ex-Wives from SIX, while Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell quickstepped to You're The Top from Anything Goes. JB Gill and Lauren Oakley waltzed to Let's Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins, and Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta waltzed to Somewhere from West Side Story.
One fan fumed on X: 'Craig doesn't want to overlook JB's thumb but Pete can botch the whole dance and it's fine! #Strictly.' Another remarked: 'Feel Chris and Dianne are underscored there. Better than his paso doble but 3 marks less.' A third added: 'Judges undermarking Chris and Dianne again #Strictly.'
Speculation is rife that Montell or Chris could face elimination next, with one fan writing: 'Chris and Montell undermarked, i wouldn't be surprised if Montell is in the dance off yet again, feel so bad for her, Pete should be voted out now #strictly.' Another echoed: 'About time for Pete to leave but it will probably be Montell #Strictly.'
The controversy follows Jamie Borthwick's unexpected departure from the competition, leaving fans heartbroken. His professional partner Michelle said: 'I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week. He's worked so hard to get to where he is.'
Strictly Come Dancing airs Sunday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
