Strictly Come Dancing viewers took to social media in numbers to argue that Delta Goodrem and Aljaz Skorjanec were undermarked after the Australian singer had to switch professional partners just 24 hours before the latest live show.
Delta returned to the ballroom on Saturday night (November 14) without her usual partner, Kai Widdrington, who was unable to perform after falling ill. The pair had already faced disruption earlier in the series when Delta suffered a painful rib injury, which forced them to sit out a week.
Aljaz steps in at short notice
Following Kai's absence, fellow professional Aljaz Skorjanec was asked to take his place. Aljaz had been eliminated from the competition last month alongside his celebrity partner, Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie West, but returned to help Delta prepare for her performance.
Host Emma Willis confirmed at the start of the show: "Yesterday in rehearsals, Kai became unwell, and on the advice of our medical team, he was sent home to rest." She added: "So, Aljaz has very kindly stepped in, and after just a few hours of rehearsing together, they are ready to dance with an Argentine Tango."
Fans call for higher scores
Despite limited rehearsal time, Delta and Aljaz performed an Argentine Tango to Missing by Everything But The Girl, earning three nines and an eight from the judges for a total of 35 out of 40.
After the performance, Delta said: "So, it was an extremely crazy week. Obviously, we're so sad that Kai got so unwell yesterday, and he had to go to the hospital. So, we're both sending him so much love watching tonight. I'm so proud of my dance partner and, no doubt, he'll be strong and come back."
But fans felt the pair were undermarked. @janinadiestler said: "Stunning. Should have been all 10s." @officalizzyhsmith echoed: "Should of been 10s amazing." @rigleyshaw84 wrote: "It should have been 40."
Support from Kai and Janette
@michellepryde commented: "Delta's feedback not reflecting her scores. Come on now judges. Definitely expected a 10 there #Strictly." @LikeATattoooooo shared: "If anyone else did what Delta just did, they'd have got a 10. That was utter perfection. Literally what on earth is going on with the scoring for her. Harsh critiques every week. #Strictly." @katienotkaie added: "... Justice for Delta should have been a 10 #Strictly."
Meanwhile, Kai showed his support by commenting on a clip of Delta and Aljaz's performance: "Proud beyond words @deltagoodrem @aljazskorjanec," while Aljaz's wife, former Strictly pro and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, also wrote: "Wow!!!! These two! Proud is an understatement! What a moment!!"
