Outrage from Fans
Furious Strictly fans have taken to social media to accuse Anton Du Beke of overscoring Nadiya Bychkova and her celebrity partner during the show's Christmas special. The pair performed a jive routine to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," but it failed to impress the judges and they ended up with the lowest score of the evening - 30.
A Surprise from Anton
While judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all gave them a seven, Anton Du Beke shocked everyone by awarding them a nine. Viewers at home were quick to comment on the discrepancy, with some calling it "inflated Christmas scores" and "a mockery of the main show."
Jamie Borthwick Takes the Crown
Despite the controversy, the Christmas special was ultimately won by EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his professional dance partner Nancy Xu. The pair lifted the Silver Star trophy after a vote by the BBC One show's audience and judges. Jamie, 29, expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating, "This is great, it's been a wonderful experience, but we're all winners here. This show is magic."
Other contestants in the special included BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent, historian Dan Snow, rugby union player Danny Cipriani, The Teacher star Tillie Amartey, and Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan.
