Strictly Come Dancing fans have rallied behind Will Best and Dianne Buswell after their latest performance, with many insisting the couple were 'undermarked' by the judges. The support came after a moment viewers may not have seen in the ballroom was exposed online.
It was week eight of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (November 14), with the nine remaining couples hoping to impress enough to make it through to next weekend's Blackpool special.
Judges' criticism and scores
Professional dog trainer Graeme Hall and his professional dancer Lauren Oakley were first out on the night with their Quickstep to Happy Days!, which landed them a score of 27 from the judges.
They were later joined at the bottom of the leaderboard by both Will and Dianne, as well as EastEnders icon Lacey Turner and pro Vito Coppola, after their respective Paso Doble and Foxtrot also failed to impress the judges, leaving them in a three-way tie in 6th position.
Will and Dianne performed their Paso to Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat. While Big Brother host Will was praised for his cape work and some of his shaping, the judges seemed to agree that there may have been a bit too much 'marching' for their liking.
Fans and co-host react
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "It's a marching dance, and you marched for the whole dance..." before adding: "But you're consistent. I just need a rise to the next level."
Strictly fans, however, thought Will and Dianne were much better than the judges gave them credit for and felt they were underscored. Will's Hits Radio Breakfast co-host James Barr commented on Instagram: "I was in the room. Will and Dianne had a full standing O and deserved way better scores."
@zillioxlouise said: "I think the judges are a bit picky. As a complete beginner I think Will did so well. I loved it." @erin.cherry1 shared: "All my votes, will and Dianne deserve to get through. As a complete beginner he's improving so much and having to deal with unfair marking from the judges."
@mollyrosedevries posted: "Ok is it just me or Will and Diane was under scored." @phoebealexandrahardcastle wrote: "Severely undermarked… AGAIN! Loved it. All 5 of my votes again! Need to get team Turkey to Blackpool for a fun dance (confirmed in their stories!). Vote vote vote guys." @andrew_jack5602 added: "Will was so undermarked."
