Strictly Come Dancing has announced a major new twist: for the first time in the show's history, three couples will face each other in the dance-off, and judges will vote to eliminate a couple rather than save one. The change has been met with criticism from viewers and commentators who question its purpose.
The format will follow the usual process, with the three couples receiving the lowest combined scores from the judges and public vote going head-to-head. After they perform, the judges will have the final say over who stays and who goes, but instead of voting for the couple they want to save, they will now vote for the couple they want to eliminate.
Why the twist has been criticised
Critics argue the change is unnecessary and adds pressure without adding value. One commentator noted that dance-offs are already stressful for contestants, who spend a week learning a routine, perform in front of millions, and then face the possibility of elimination. Adding a third couple to the dance-off, they said, makes an already nerve-racking experience worse.
The change to how judges vote has also been questioned. Normally, judges explain what a couple did well when voting to save them. With the new format, they would instead explain what a couple did wrong when choosing to eliminate them, which critics describe as pointless and mean.
Viewer backlash on social media
On X, viewers have expressed strong disapproval. One said: "The pro dancers who were axed or decided to leave this year. should count themselves lucky not to be part of this year Strictly Come Dancing. this is the worst series l have watched since 2004."
Another wrote: "If it ain't broke don't fix it. Strictly WAS a winning formula. Are the BBC making it deliberately unwatchable so they have an excuse to bin it." A third added: "I think they're trying to get more people to watch the results show, don't think this is the answer."
A fourth viewer shared: "Can't think of a better way to make the contestants even more nervous and stressed ? And you expect them to enjoy and just have fun when clearly it's none of that."
One-week change
The twist is reportedly only in place for one week, which commentators suggest is probably for the best, as repeated use could lead to even stronger backlash. The change comes as Strictly continues its 21st series, with the next show set to feature the three-couple dance-off.
