BBC's Strictly Come Dancing found itself at the centre of a storm this weekend as viewers erupted in fury over judge Craig Revel Horwood's controversial scoring of Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell's emotionally charged performance.
The Routine That Divided the Ballroom
EastEnders star Bobby Brazier and professional partner Dianne Buswell delivered what many considered to be their most powerful dance yet - a contemporary Couple's Choice routine dedicated to Bobby's late mother, Jade Goody. The emotional performance left audience members in tears and received a standing ovation from the studio crowd.
However, the mood shifted dramatically when Craig Revel Horwood awarded the pair just seven points out of ten, a score that immediately sparked outrage among both the studio audience and viewers at home.
Viewer Backlash Erupts
Social media platforms exploded with criticism directed at the notoriously harsh judge. One furious fan declared: "Craig giving Bobby and Dianne a 7 is an absolute disgrace. That dance was breathtaking and emotional."
Another viewer echoed the sentiment, writing: "I'm actually fuming at Craig's score for Bobby and Dianne. That was worth at least a 9! What more did he want?"
The criticism wasn't limited to Craig alone, with some viewers questioning head judge Shirley Ballas's eight-point assessment of the routine.
A Pattern of Controversy
This isn't the first time Craig's scoring has caused controversy this series. The judge has developed a reputation for his brutally honest critiques, though many feel his latest assessment crossed the line from constructive criticism to plain unfairness.
The scoring discrepancy became particularly noticeable when compared to other performances of the evening, leaving many to wonder if different standards were being applied to different contestants.
Emotional Weight Behind the Performance
What made the low score particularly galling for many viewers was the deeply personal nature of Bobby's performance. The routine served as a tribute to his mother, Jade Goody, who tragically passed away from cervical cancer in 2009 when Bobby was just five years old.
The raw emotion and technical skill displayed in the dance had many viewers and fellow contestants visibly moved, making Craig's seven seem even more out of touch with the room's consensus.
As Strictly continues its run, the question remains whether this scoring controversy will affect public voting patterns or if the judges will adjust their assessments in response to the overwhelming viewer feedback.
