The glitterball trophy is not just won on the dancefloor, but often in the court of public opinion. A fierce debate has erupted among fans of Strictly Come Dancing over whether celebrities with prior dance experience should be allowed to compete, with accusations of 'cheating' flying during the 2025 series.
The Heart of the Controversy
The issue came to a head this year as several contestants' backgrounds were scrutinised. Emmerdale's Lewis Cope faced criticism early on for his hip hop training, a point seemingly highlighted by the wife of fellow contestant Chris Robshaw. On Instagram, Camilla Robshaw posted about her husband opening the season with a challenging dance while being "up against people with years of experience".
This sentiment was echoed by former Love Island star Amber Gill, who called the inclusion of experienced dancers "unfair". The trio of Lewis Cope, West End performer Amber Davies, and eventual winner Karen Carney—who had childhood hip hop competition experience—all reached the quarter-finals, intensifying the debate.
A Clash of Fan Opinions
The audience remains sharply divided. One disgruntled viewer argued online: "As brilliant as they are, these three competing against people who'd never danced before the show, isn't fair." This perspective pits the notion of a pure 'journey' from novice to dancer against the spectacle of highly polished routines.
However, a strong contingent of fans champions the inclusion of trained dancers. A counter-view stated: "The fact [they] can dance next to professionals and not look out of place or behind at all is exactly what makes watching this show exciting." For these viewers, the higher standard of performance elevates the entire show.
Christmas Special Sparks Fresh Debate
The controversy extended to the Christmas special, won by Scarlett Moffatt. After her victory, it emerged she had participated in ballroom and Latin competitions as a child, leading to fresh accusations. Moffatt defended her participation, telling The Sun: "I feel they’ve really hyped me up. I enjoy dancing, but that was when I was a little girl; I’m 35 now."
She added that she would not join the main series due to this experience, highlighting the show's ongoing struggle to define what constitutes a fair starting point. The debate, unresolved, now passes to the viewers: is prior experience a legitimate advantage or simply part of the diverse appeal of Strictly Come Dancing?
