Strictly Come Dancing viewers issued complaints during the first results show of the series after a new format change was introduced. The popular programme returned with an early Movie Week edition, fronted by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
All 15 couples performed on the dance floor once more, hoping to win over judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. Each partnership's film-themed performance was added to their previous week's score, giving them a combined total before the opening elimination, reports Wales Online.
Leaderboard results
Australian vocalist Delta Goodrem and her professional partner Kai Widdrington topped the combined leaderboard by the evening's conclusion with 59 points. Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley and Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola followed closely behind, each securing 55 points. At the opposite end of the standings, Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec finished with 30 points.
Strictly returned on Sunday evening (October 4) with the series' inaugural results programme. The episode showcased a The Devil Wears Prada-inspired routine from the professional dancers, featuring judges Motsi and Craig. Additionally, there was a special performance from Matilda The Musical, with the four young stars portraying Matilda taking to the stage to perform Quiet, joined by composer Tim Minchin.
Viewer reactions to format change
Following a pre-recorded section reviewing Saturday evening's events, Emma and Johannes appeared in the Clauditorium to speak with the judges before any results had been announced. Strictly fans will know that the judges' discussion previously occurred later in the programme, after several safe couples had been disclosed.
BBC audiences were left baffled by the alteration, with numerous viewers expressing their opinions on X. "Judges debrief first? What's going on. Oh and the screen is back," one individual posted. Another commented: "OMG a debrief with two hosts before the Results."
A third remarked: "Ooh, straight to debrief." Someone else complained: "Why does @bbcstrictly need two presenters for 'Dance Debrief'? Another tweak they've got wrong."
Positive feedback for pairing
Meanwhile, other viewers were thrilled to see Emma and Johannes present a segment together, as Emma had previously been paired with Josh in the ballroom, while Johannes commanded proceedings in the Clauditorium. "FINALLY THE CORRECT PAIRING," one individual posted. Another commented: "This is SOOOOOO much better."
A third viewer shared the view, 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."
Emma subsequently announced the initial group of couples who had progressed to week three. This came moments before Josh joined Johannes to interview the delighted partnerships. Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
