Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left disappointed by the response to Will Best's latest performance in the ballroom and rushed to share the same complaint on his behalf. The Big Brother presenter, partnered with professional dancer and Strictly 2024 champion Dianne Buswell, has emerged as a fan favourite in this year's run of the BBC One dance contest.
The pair made it through to week seven of the 2026 series and opened the show on Saturday night (November 7), becoming the first couple out onto the dance floor. They performed a quickstep to Maroon 5's This Love.
Judges' Scores and Reaction
The performance earned them a score of 29 out of a possible 40. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said the performance needed "slight improvements," while fellow judge Anton Du Beke said Will "looked so lovely." Head judge Shirley Ballas added: "This is a definite improvement; we are working in the right direction, sir."
Strictly fans were not happy with Will and Dianne's scores, thinking the pair deserved more for their performance. They also noted it was not the first time they had been the first couple to perform during a live show, with Will and Dianne opening week one of the competition at the end of September, and worried it put them at a disadvantage.
Fan Complaints on Social Media
@flickersuggs said: "will and dianne's quickstep not getting into the 30's is actually a disgrace. i would say i'm disappointed but certainly not surprised because the judges are on another planet #strictly." @TheGlitterNet commented: "Am I delusional or was Will seriously undermarked #Strictly."
erin.cherry1 shared: "This dance was so good. Will is improving every week with diannes brilliant teaching, but they're being underscored all the time. It's really unfair now."
Concerns Over Performance Slot
@thatsmypeachx wrote: "Will and Dianne in the first slot or a death slot for weeks make it make sense!!!! #Strictly." @buswellsdaisy posted: "will and dianne dancing first AGAIN. when are some of the other couples going to get this same treatment."
woodlandbabies1 complained: "They went first again. They've been 1st or early on quite a lot this series, and undermarked because of it." @strictlytams added: "dianne and will dancing first again what is with them always being near the start."
