Strictly Come Dancing viewers have criticised the judges for what they described as "belittling" feedback during the fifth live show of the series. Fans took to social media to complain about the tone of the judges' comments, particularly those aimed at contestant Lawrence Robb.
Motsi Mabuse Faces Backlash Over Jive Critique
Motsi Mabuse came under fire for her remarks about Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał, who performed a Jive set to "Rockafeller Skank." Mabuse told the couple: "It's live, people get voted off. It's very sad!" She added: "This Jive wasn't your best dance. If I think about it, the others felt much better. Go back to the dance class and practice a bit harder."
Viewers on social media disagreed with her comments. One fan said: "Not Motsi saying get back to the dance room and practice!" Another wrote: "Why is Motsi so off with everyone tonight?" A third added: "Really fed up and gross belittling Laurence, the judges can be honest but being cruel is just nasty. He danced, he put his all in, he deserved better, he gets my vote."
Fans Question Judges' Mood
Other viewers questioned the judges' approach this week. One commented: "Jesus, two fours for Laurence, someone on the panel doesn't like Emmerdale this week." Another asked: "Did the judges receive feedback for being too lascivious with marking last week and are being harsher this week? I mean I know the beginning of the show marks are always lower anyway."
"Christ the judges are in a mood this week," said another viewer, while a sixth tweeted: "The judges are proper negative tonight."
Presenters Divide Audience
Meanwhile, the hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have left fans divided. Following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year, the trio were revealed as presenters for the main show. It was initially reported that pro dancer Johannes would be a roving reporter, but this was soon dismissed as he joined the presenting line-up.
Some viewers have warmed to the new lineup. "John Widdecombe and Emma Willis have fully settled into #strictly now, this is such an enjoyable watch. The funny bits aren't awkward anymore. Tess who?" said one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter. A second wrote: "I'm so loving Emma, she is just right at home. Perfect."
Mixed Reactions to Hosting Format
However, others have been far from impressed. One fumed: "The BBC still have time to pull strictly back, leave Emma downstairs put Josh up in the clauditorium, and put the couples back together on It Takes Two." Another penned: "Strictly still haven't made the change they need to for the Saturday show: Emma on her own downstairs, Josh on his own upstairs, Johannes as a roving reporter."
A third viewer suggested: "I feel with #strictly on the Saturday night, Emma should be down with the judges; Josh upstairs with the celebs and chatting and Johannes be backstage roaming reporter. Then on results show, Emma revealing results and Josh talking the judges upstairs reflecting." Another commented: "Josh looks so uncomfortable standing next to Emma, get rid of him ffs he's really making things awkward."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
