Strictly fans criticize Shirley Ballas for alleged sexism in final

Accusations of sexism

Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed their disappointment with head judge Shirley Ballas over her scoring of Ellie Leach in the show's grand final. This is not the first time Ballas has faced accusations of sexism this series.

Controversial scoring

Despite Ellie Leach and partner Vito Coppola being crowned Strictly's 2023 champions, fans believe that Shirley Ballas unfairly docked them points. During their Showdance, Ballas praised the routine but only awarded them a nine out of a possible ten points, despite earlier suggesting she would have given them a perfect score.

Backlash on social media

Fans took to social media to express their frustration, with some accusing Ballas of sexism. One fan questioned if Ballas had lost her ten paddle, while another criticized her for promising a twenty paddle but only delivering a nine. The scoring discrepancy has been a topic of discussion throughout the season.

Past controversies

This is not the first time Shirley Ballas has faced criticism over her scoring. In the semi-final, she sparked a sexism row when she chose to eliminate tennis player Annabel Croft over EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier. Last year, she was also criticized for her decision to save BBC TV and radio personality Richie Anderson over singer-songwriter Fleur East.

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have voiced their disappointment with head judge Shirley Ballas over her scoring of Ellie Leach in the show's grand final. Ballas, who has faced accusations of sexism earlier in the series, is now being criticized for allegedly unfairly docking points from Leach and partner Vito Coppola. Despite Leach and Coppola being crowned the champions of Strictly 2023, fans believe that Ballas did not give them the scores they deserved. During their Showdance, Ballas praised the routine but only awarded them a nine out of ten, despite earlier suggesting she would have given them a perfect score. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, accusing Ballas of sexism and questioning the consistency of her scoring. This is not the first time Ballas has faced controversy over her scoring decisions. In the semi-final, she chose to eliminate tennis player Annabel Croft over EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, sparking accusations of sexism. Last year, she was criticized for saving BBC TV and radio personality Richie Anderson over singer-songwriter Fleur East. The scoring discrepancies have been a hot topic throughout the season, and fans are demanding more transparency and fairness in the judging process.