Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One for an emotional live show on Saturday evening, and viewers at home had plenty to say about the judges' scoring throughout the night.
One moment that stood out was TV presenter Will Best's routine, with many fans believing his Quickstep was his best dance to date. However, they noted he had been chosen to perform first for the second week running, and suggested that partner Dianne Buswell's wardrobe mishap may have "sabotaged" the routine.
Fans react to 'undermarked' performance
Viewers were quick to say the judges "undermarked" his performance, as he finished in the lower half of the leaderboard with 29 points. Fans took to X to share their opinions, with one saying: "Another week of Will being undermarked."
Another posted: "Another week of terrible song choice for his dance from producers. Another terrible costume for Dianne that bordered on sabotage. The producers hate Will and I have no idea why? #strictly".
Another raged: "Will undermarked yet again. Also, that pearl dress was attempted sabotage by wardrobe." One fan echoed: "The producers hate Will Best and are trying to take him out. I'm starting the conspiracy theory now".
Judges' marks spark debate
Spotting his slot in the running order, one fan posted: "Vote Will Best. Undermarked just because he went first again." Countless viewers aired their views on the judges' marks, with one saying: "First dance and the judges already p*** me off- that was Will's best dance yet! Great music and a proper quickstep. Ridiculously underscored, a 6 is silly for that."
Pointing to the fact some judges awarded other competitors a nine on the evening, one fan said: "A Nine? Sorry but Will Best is getting tanked Anton's mental scoring."
However, some viewers agreed Will needed refinement, with one posting: "Will has a really, really good frame, but very little musicality. But Dianne's reaction tells me that could be the best he's done that dance."
Hosts address wardrobe malfunction
Strictly host Josh Widdicombe addressed Dianne's wardrobe malfunction following Will's performance, yet she insisted she "didn't notice". He said: "You're a showman now. You didn't even mention the pearls fell from your dress, you were essentially dancing on ball bearings during that second half! You could have fallen over at any moment! Get off that dangerous floor and get your scores."
Once their score was revealed, host Johannes Radebe told them: "You left your pearls on the floor girl." Will immediately joked: "Should I go get them?"
Regarding the judges' feedback, Craig Revel Horwood declared he was "totally and utterly watchable", but highlighted: "For me, it was a little bit bouncy on the top half and I felt like your torso was a little bit too active, and you were using your elbow a lot." Motsi Mabuse said she "loved the fact it felt light, you were on the road the whole time, no breaks, you were together with your partner". Shirley Ballas remarked that he was "moving in the right direction" and showing improvement.
Will said he was really pleased with the comments and was heard saying "I'm happy with that" when his final score came in. Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show tonight on BBC One at 7.10pm.
