Strictly Come Dancing was plunged into controversy this weekend as viewers accused the show's judges of deliberate undermarking in a move that has sparked widespread 'fix' claims.
The uproar centred on the performance of frontrunners Layton Williams and his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. The duo took to the floor with a powerful and technically demanding Argentine Tango set to Britney Spears's 'Toxic'.
Despite what many fans described as a "flawless" and "spellbinding" performance, the judging panel of Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas awarded them a total of 35 points. This score placed them in a surprising three-way tie for second place on the leaderboard with Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier.
Social Media Erupts in Defence of Layton and Nikita
The response on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) was immediate and furious. One incensed viewer posted: "Layton and Nikita were undermarked! That Argentine Tango was incredible. The judges are trying to even the competition out. So unfair! #Strictly."
The sentiment was echoed across hundreds of tweets, with another fan writing: "Absolutely fuming. That was one of the best dances I've ever seen on Strictly. The judges are scared of Layton's talent. It's a fix! #StrictlyComeDancing."
A History of High Scores and High Drama
The backlash is intensified by Williams's status as a frontrunner. The actor and performer has consistently wowed the judges and audience alike, frequently topping the leaderboard and earning some of the highest scores of the series thus far.
This perceived attempt to level the playing field has not been well-received by the show's dedicated fanbase, who believe the scoring should reflect the quality of the dance alone. The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise spectacular evening of entertainment, leaving many to question the judges' motives as the competition heats up.
