Viewers Slam Judges' Scores in Final
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have expressed their frustration over the judges' scoring system following Ellie Leach's victory in the 2023 final. Many viewers believe that the scores should be scrapped altogether in order to bring about a much-needed change to the show's format.
Controversy Surrounds Perfect Scores
One of the main points of contention was judge Craig Revel Horwood's decision not to award a perfect 10 to Layton Williams, who delivered an outstanding performance. This sparked outrage among fans, who felt that all three finalists should have received top marks. The controversy intensified when Ellie Leach ultimately emerged as the winner.
Fix Allegations and Favoritism Claims
Viewers took to social media to voice their frustrations, with some accusing the show of being rigged. There were also claims of favoritism, particularly when head judge Shirley Ballas gave Ellie a lower score despite making a mistake, while awarding Layton and Nikita a perfect 10 despite their own error.
Calls to Scrap Judges' Scores
The dissatisfaction with the judges' scoring system has led many viewers to call for a change in the 2024 final. They argue that judges' scores should no longer count and that only viewer votes should determine the winner. Additionally, there is a growing demand to eliminate the semi-final dance-off altogether.
Previous Controversies and Sexism Row
This latest row comes after previous controversies, including claims that former tennis ace Annabel Croft was undermarked and unfairly eliminated. In addition, head judge Shirley Ballas faced backlash for giving lower scores to older contestants in the earlier stages of the show, leading to accusations of sexism.
It remains to be seen whether these demands for change will be taken into consideration by the show's producers. As the uproar continues, fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on potential reforms to ensure a fair and transparent competition in the future.
