Strictly Come Dancing viewers took to social media to criticise judge Shirley Ballas during the annual Halloween special, with some questioning her scoring and others accusing her of being too harsh.
The BBC One contest reached week six on Saturday night (October 31), with the remaining 11 couples performing spooky-themed routines. EastEnders actress Lacey Turner impressed with a Charleston to Crazy Stupid Love by Cheryl and Tinie Tempah, scoring 36 points and topping the leaderboard. Judge Motsi Mabuse described the routine as the "best dance of the night".
Fans Question Shirley's Marks
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer also earned praise, performing a Viennese waltz to My Favourite Things with Nikita Kuzmin and scoring 32 points. Anton Du Beke called it her "best dance yet", while Craig Revel Horwood added: "I can’t add much to that, apart from brilliant." They tied on 32 points with Will Best and Dianne Buswell, who danced their Couple’s Choice to Nu Flow by Big Brovaz.
However, the judges' scoring drew complaints from fans, particularly towards Shirley, who had appeared as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars earlier in the week. One viewer, @Z33DEE, wrote: "Shirley please. i cant keep defending you HOW are you voting graeme so high and tabby and delta so low #strictly #strictlycomedancing."
Social Media Reaction
@BritsandBlobs commented: "What is happening with Shirley at the moment. Her scores on Strictly and DWTS this week have been even more harsh than normal #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another user, @LindaDa70785426, said: "Shirley is spoiling Strictly for me with her endless critique and inconsistent marking. 5 for Tabby and Mark was a disgrace #Strictly."
Some questioned her tone, with mollyrosedevries asking: "Is it just me or is Shirley was really rude tonight?" @miss_traceydav added: "We need to talk about why Shirley is trying to become Craig because it doesn’t work. Craig has always been more the pantomime villain of Strictly and has built this up over 20 years..."
