Strictly Come Dancing viewers complained that Cach Mercer was undermarked after his Halloween special performance, with many singling out judge Craig Revel Horwood's score of 7. The Love Island winner and his professional partner Maddie Ingoldsby performed an Argentine tango to Pas De Deux by Michael Abels during the BBC One show's annual Halloween special on Saturday night (October 31).
Halloween special scores and reactions
The routine earned the couple a score of 33, placing them joint third on the latest leaderboard. Head judge Shirley Ballas said Cach was "so much better" than his previous performance, while Craig admitted he was only being "picky" with his comments "because you are brilliant, impassioned and dynamic".
Despite the judges' praise, some fans felt the score was too low and took to social media to complain. @svlmonskinrolls said: "Cach undermarked BOOOO #strictly." @king_king95 commented: "These judges are so PICKY and overly crictial when it comes to Cach . That was brilliant !!! #Strictly."
Fans demand higher marks
@JillHudson21 wrote: "7, Craig?! Get a bleedin’ grip!! Defo worth at least an 8!! #Cach #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #SCD." @wendyd_xx posted: "Stunning dance tonight, amazing! Craig's 7 was a joke, a trick instead of a treat!"
@l_hay071623 echoed: "7 from Craig, unbelievable. In my opinion best dance of the night." @this.is.my.life.now__ added: "The 7 was just rude! Had to be all 9s and could've even sneaked a 10 if I compare it to the 2 dances that had 10s last week! Amazing Argy from Cach n Maddie."
The Halloween special saw the 11 remaining couples in the competition take to the ballroom floor with spooktacular routines, having made it through to the annual special in week six of Strictly's 2026 series. The show also featured elaborate costumes, with Anton Du Beke dressed as an angel, Craig Revel Horwood looking like a devil, Motsi Mabuse opting for a green butterfly ensemble, and Shirley Ballas wearing an ice queen outfit.
