Furious fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left disappointed and questioning the show's budget after a significant moment was seemingly removed from the latest semi-final episode.
Finalists Moment on the Balcony Missing
Viewers tuning in to BBC One at home were upset to discover that the three show finalists did not get their moment to shine, as has been done in previous years.
Traditionally, the couples who make it through to the final week of the show are announced by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the episode. They stand atop the balcony, overlooking the dancefloor, as their names are revealed one-by-one.
However, in a surprising change, the moment appeared to be cut from the episode following Annabel Croft's elimination.
Fans Express Annoyance
Fans took to social media to express their annoyance at the missing moment. One fan wrote, "I'm so annoyed they cut the results show from an hour to 40 minutes and ditched this part where the finalists stood on the balcony and had their names announced before the show ends."
Another fan added, "They should've done this!!"
Some fans even speculated that the show's budget cuts were to blame for the missing moment.
Controversial Elimination
Tennis ace Annabel Croft's elimination from the competition was not without controversy. Head judge Shirley Ballas found herself embroiled in a sexism row over her decision.
Shirley, 63, has faced accusations this series of marking down female contestants. Fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, 42, and Anton Du Beke, 57, voted to save Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, while Craig Revel Horwood, 58, backed Annabel and Johannes.
Delivering her decision, Shirley praised both couples but ultimately chose to save Bobby and Dianne.
In the early stages of the show, Shirley had given the lowest scores to former newsreader Angela Rippon, 79, former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, 22, and media personality Zara McDermott, 26.
