Viewers Call for Change Ahead of New Series
Strictly Come Dancing fans have taken to social media to demand a major shake-up of the hit BBC show amid a fresh "fix" row. As the current series heads towards its grand final this weekend, fans are calling for one specific format to be scrapped when the show returns in 2024.
Dance Off Controversy
The demand for change comes after last week's controversial elimination of contestant Annabel Croft. Fans claim that she was unfairly marked by the judges and believe that the semi-final dance off should be eliminated completely. They argue that the results should be determined solely by the public vote in order to eliminate any potential bias.
One fan vented their frustration on social media, saying, "I don't think there should be a dance off in the semi-finals. It should be the lowest public vote that determines who goes out. Then Shirley can't save the one she's been favoring all series. Total fix."
Another fan echoed these sentiments, claiming, "It's a fix. They did it last week. They put the strong contestant in the dance off so there's only one choice when it comes to saving them. The other couple is out."
Sexism Row
The controversy surrounding Annabel's elimination comes after head judge Shirley Ballas sparked a fresh sexism row during the penultimate episode. Many fans believe that Annabel had been consistently undermarked throughout the competition.
One fan expressed their disappointment, saying, "Annabel, with your departure, the heart and soul of this show has just left the building. You were criminally undermarked for your Viennese Waltz, which meant game over, no matter how many of us tried to save you! You're a class act. Bless you."
Another fan shared their mixed emotions, stating, "Heartbreaking for Annabel. She was rather undermarked. She's grown from the very first week. She deserved to get to the final but, alas. But, also very happy for Bobby, who has also fought hard after being undermarked in the past. Great finalists! Ellie to win."
Fix Allegations
This new fix row is not the first to hit Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier in the series, Shirley gave the lowest scores to several contestants, leading some fans to accuse her of bias. And in the most recent dance off, she chose to save Bobby Brazier over Annabel, causing further controversy.
Judges Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke also voted to save Bobby, while Craig Revel Horwood supported Annabel and her partner Johannes. Fans were even convinced that Annabel would be eliminated when the semi-final dance routines were revealed.
As the current series of Strictly Come Dancing draws to a close, fans are hoping that their calls for change will be heard and that future seasons will address their concerns about fairness and transparency in the judging process.
