STRICTLY Come Dancing has become embroiled in an “under-marking” row as a fan favourite fell short.
The BBC’s flagship series – which this week aired it’s live show on Friday – came under the spotlight during a tense quarter final.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have blasted the show as a fan favourite appeared ‘under marked’
Popular BBC wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin performed a routine to The Lion King
It saw the final six couples dance to songs from the shows during Strictly‘s themed Musicals Week.
Yet despite wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin, who has proved hugely popular with the public, dazzling with his Lion King routine he failed to score a 10.
Hamza and professional partner Jowita Przystal danced a samba to They Live In You from The Lion King.
Their emotional routine was praised by all four judges, with Craig Revel Horwood in particular calling out Hamza’s spectacular solo steps.
Head judge Shirley Ballas told Hamza his hard work correcting his “turned in fee” had been “noticed and appreciated” as she heaped praise on his dance, in which he played cub Simba and Jowita played Nala.
Fans took to Twitter to call out the scoring after Hamza scooped four nines, totalling 36 – with no ten paddles pulled out.
One raged: “AGAIN, you lot have under scored Hamza.
“Too many times you lot under mark him, and you CANNOT convince me, out of time Molly (3rs since theatre school) was better than him.
“Stop it, and start giving him the scores.”
Another then wailed: “I am SOBBING AT Hamza!! That should have been straight 10s, surely? I feel like that response from the judges didn’t reflect their scores? #strictly.”
A third added: “I’ve gotta agree with this, I don’t often have an opinion on the judging, after all I know nothing technically, but almost switched off in annoyance after no 10’s for Hamza which as an amateur I thought easily matched Molly’s. #strictly.”
One then mused: “How did hamza get those comments from the judges and not get a single 10?? make it make sense #strictly.”
Another concluded: “A slower than usual song for a samba, praised for his technique but still all-9s for Hamza? Why do I feel like they’ve been told to rein it in on him?”
Meanwhile, Will Mellor bagged a staggering 39 out of 40 and was pictured holding back tears as he topped the leaderboard with his Miss Saigon routine.
Anton Du Beke was left emotional as he watched Will dance his heart out.
Helen Skelton also stunned the judges with her racy Couple’s Choice performance, earning the same score as Will.
Strictly fans may need to switch their weekend plans as the results show airs tonight – rather than in its traditional Sunday slot.
Yet many are already “livid” after a spoiler has leaked the name of the celebrity who does not progress to the semi final.
Hamza and pro partner Jowita received impressive comments from the judges for their samba to They Live In You
Hamza failed to score a 10 – despite getting no criticism
Will Mellor, left, topped the leaderboard with his Miss Saigon routine
Helen Skelton also dazzled in her Couple’s Choice routine
