Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis apologised to viewers during Saturday night's episode (October 24) after an on-screen graphic displayed the wrong score from judge Shirley Ballas. The correction, made before the programme concluded, affected the week's scores.
The remaining celebrities took to the dance floor once more, each hoping to secure their place in Halloween week. Among them was EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, who performed a Tango alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola.
Score Error Corrected
Lacey has been widely tipped as one of the frontrunners to lift the Glitter Ball Trophy this series. Yet her routine this week received a mixed response from the judging panel. As the judges revealed their scores, a mistake crept in, which Emma Willis addressed before the show wrapped up.
The duo were awarded two 7s, a 6, and an 8 from the judges, bringing their total to 28. The score of 6 was awarded by Shirley Ballas, but the on-screen graphics erroneously displayed it as a 7, causing Lacey's overall tally to be incorrectly shown as 29.
Apology Issued
Emma subsequently stated: "Before we go to the leaderboard, we need to apologise because there was a mistake with Lacey and Vito. Shirley scored a 6 but the graphic said 7, so we can confirm Shirley did in fact score a 6 so the correct total score is 28."
The error didn't significantly alter the rankings though, as even with an additional point, Lacey would remain in fifth position. Leading the pack this week were Tabby and Mark with 37 following two perfect 10s, while Delta and Kai also bagged a 10, placing them in second spot.
Viewer Reactions
Viewers tuning in from home weren't happy with the scores awarded for Lacey's performance, with some suggesting she deserved better marks. One person wrote on social media: "Sorry but the marking is all over the place tonight 8 for Will and 9s for Graeme, Lacey Turner undermarked and its far, FAR too soon to be dishing out 10s like this."
Another observed: "Shirley giving Lacey a 6 and a 7 showing on screen. They must have thought she was talking nonsense." Someone else agreed: "Criminal that Shirley scored a 6 for Lacey Even the graphics tried to overrule it."
While others sympathised with the BBC soap actress, missing out on an extra point and remarked: "Just kick Lacey Turner in the teeth like that." One viewer contributed: "Lacey deserved higher mark than that, they were way too harsh on her compared to some others."
Fans can catch up with Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer.
