Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left stunned after discovering who is due to depart the show this week, with many accusing the judges of favouritism. Saturday's live broadcast marked the midpoint of the series and delivered several controversial moments and emotional highlights, from Graeme Hall's poignant Couple's Choice to Jaime Winstone's withdrawal owing to injury.
Leaderboard and spoiler backlash
After all the couples had performed on the dance floor to impress Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin topped the leaderboard following their impressive American Smooth, receiving their first 10 of the series. Dani and Nikita finished with a total of 36 points, while John Nellis and Cach Mercer shared bottom position with 26 points each.
Following Saturday's programme, spoilers emerged online regarding the dance-off and results, which are recorded in advance before being broadcast on Sunday evening. While Wales Online has opted not to disclose the outcome, numerous fans have expressed disappointment about the elimination.
Fans voice frustration
Taking to X, one viewer said: "We have seen it time and again where terrible dancers have been kept in because they are fans' favourites and good dancers sent home. And yes, Shirley certainly has her favourites and giving her that casting vote will secure them staying in." Another admitted: "Considering the person that went scored higher than the person saved, I'm shocked."
One fan said they were "gutted", adding how they hoped it gave the other contestant a "kick up the b***." "Sorry how is this fair? ... Craig and Motsi the only ones with sense," another fan wrote, while a further viewer posted an image of a shocked face while sharing: "I just saw the Strictly spoiler and what?" Over on Instagram, one fan said: "Wrong decision booooooooo", while another shared they were "so sad". A final fan posted on X: "So #annoyed by the Strictly spoiler."
Scoring inconsistency and results show
Viewers were swift to voice their frustration over the judges' scoring on Saturday evening, with many feeling it lacked any real consistency throughout. Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby were awarded four points by Craig, while Motsi and Anton each gave eight points and Shirley awarded them six, resulting in a total score of 26 and leaving them joint bottom of the leaderboard in week seven.
Baffled by the dramatic disparity in scores, one viewer said on X: "A 4 and an 8!? The judges' scoring is absolutely atrocious tonight." Another added: "WHAT IS WITH THESE SCORES?! A 4 and an 8 for the same dance? #Strictly."
As for this evening's results show, presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will host as the two lowest-scoring couples face each other in the dance-off. Additionally, the professionals will demonstrate their skills to the celebrities with an emotional and inspirational group routine.
Viewers are hoping actress Jaime Winstone will return to the programme next week, after she was compelled to miss this week's live show due to an injury. Her partner Carlos Gu posted on Instagram: "Miss my girl today", though no update has yet been provided regarding her recovery. She has been granted a bye through to next week, as is standard procedure for any contestant injured on the show.
Judge Motsi Mabuse had commented: "Sending you so much love, darling. Your health always comes first. Take the time you need to rest, recover and get your strength back. We'll miss you this week, but what matters most is that you feel better. Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you the biggest hug!" Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show tonight on BBC One at 7.10pm.
