Strictly Come Dancing viewers lodged complaints this weekend over a format change in the first results show of the series. The programme returned with an early Movie Week special, with new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe at the helm.
All 15 couples danced once more in their quest to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. Each duo's cinema-themed performance was combined with their previous week's marks, giving them a cumulative score ahead of the opening elimination.
Leaderboard and first elimination
Australian vocalist Delta Goodrem and her professional partner Kai Widdrington secured pole position on the combined leaderboard at the end of the night with 59 points. Hot on their heels were Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, plus Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola, both achieving 55 points. At the bottom of the table sat Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec with just 30 points.
Strictly made its return on Sunday evening (October 4) with the series' inaugural results programme. The show featured a The Devil Wears Prada routine from the professional dancers, alongside judges Motsi and Craig. There was also a standout performance from Matilda The Musical, with the four young stars portraying Matilda taking centre stage to perform Quiet, accompanied by composer Tim Minchin.
Viewers react to new debrief order
It wasn't long before audiences began voicing grievances about a fresh format change. Following a pre-recorded segment that recapped Saturday evening's events, Emma and Johannes appeared in the Clauditorium to chat with the judges, before any results had been announced. Strictly fans will recognise that the judges' analysis previously occurred later in the programme, after some of the safe couples had already been disclosed.
BBC audiences were baffled by the alteration, with numerous viewers sharing their reactions on X. "Judges debrief first? What's going on. Oh and the screen is back," one viewer posted. Another commented: "OMG a debrief with two hosts before the Results." A third remarked: "Ooh, straight to debrief." Someone else raged: "Why does @bbcstrictly need two presenters for 'Dance Debrief'? Another tweak they've got wrong."
However, other enthusiasts were thrilled to witness Emma and Johannes hosting a segment together, as Emma had previously been paired with Josh in the ballroom, while Johannes commanded the Clauditorium. "FINALLY THE CORRECT PAIRING," one viewer declared. Another commented: "This is SOOOOOO much better." A third fan shared the sentiment, stating: "JoJo and Emma finally presenting together. Now can we have them downstairs on the main show please." Someone else noted: "Oh Emma and Johannes together! They've realised that's how it should be."
Safe couples announced
Emma subsequently announced the first batch of couples who had secured their place in week three. This came moments before Josh joined Johannes to interview the delighted partnerships. Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
