Strictly Come Dancing Viewers Call for Shirley Ballas to Be Replaced After Controversial Dance-Off Decision
Strictly Come Dancing fans have called for head judge Shirley Ballas to be replaced after her decision to save Shaun Wright-Phillips during Sunday night’s dance-off sparked widespread criticism. Her verdict went against the other three judges and reignited complaints from viewers who believe she has shown a pattern of favouring male celebrities over female contestants.
Former England footballer Wright-Phillips and his professional partner Alexis Warr became the fourth couple to leave the BBC competition on Sunday, October 25. However, it was Ballas’s decision to back them over actress Jaime Winstone and professional dancer Carlos Gu that dominated the reaction online.
Shirley Ballas Faces Backlash Over Dance-Off Vote
The two couples returned to the dance floor for another chance to remain in the competition. Winstone and Gu performed their Foxtrot to Olivia Dean’s Man I Need, while Wright-Phillips and Warr reprised their Jive to Faith by Stevie Wonder, featuring Ariana Grande.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse both voted to save Winstone and Gu. Ballas, however, chose Wright-Phillips and Warr, leaving Anton du Beke with the deciding vote.
Du Beke ultimately sided with the majority, saving Winstone and Gu and sending Wright-Phillips and Warr home.
The decision left some viewers questioning Ballas’s judgement, with several taking to social media to demand changes to the judging panel. Some argued that her support for the former footballer was difficult to justify given the performances they believed the two couples had delivered.
One viewer, @csrizolli, wrote: “Omg Shirley was going to save shaun….. IS SHE ABSOLUTELY DELUSIONAL!!! #Strictly”
Another, @s_ffron7, accused Ballas of repeatedly targeting female celebrities, adding that they were glad more people were speaking out about the issue.
@misslsw also expressed frustration, writing: “Wouldn’t mind if they got rid of Shirley next year tbh. Her clear dislike of women is ridiculous at this point. #Strictly”
The criticism continued after Ballas reportedly defended her decision on Strictly: Lights Up, describing Wright-Phillips as “absolutely the right one to save” and calling his performance “flawless”.
Reacting to those comments, @kaaaatie_x wrote: “lol shirley saying on lights up that shaun was “absolutely the right one to save” and he was “flawless”… literally get her off that panel #strictly”
Another viewer, @whiteryan30, called on the BBC to make a decision about the head judge’s future, arguing that the show risked losing viewers if she remained on the panel.
Meanwhile, @thomasr14336083 questioned whether Ballas had watched the same performances as the other judges, arguing that Winstone had delivered the stronger dance and routine. They praised Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke for their decision to save Winstone and Gu.
Although the backlash was vocal, the criticism reflected the opinions of individual viewers rather than an official decision by the BBC about Ballas’s position on the show.
Delta Goodrem Returns From Injury With a Series First
Away from the judging controversy, Saturday night’s live show delivered several memorable performances.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem returned to the ballroom following a rib injury and earned the first perfect 10 of the series. Dancing with professional partner Kai Widdrington, she performed a Rumba to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.
The routine received a total of 34 points, marking a strong return to the competition after her time away with the injury.
Winter Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker went one better on the leaderboard, securing the highest score of the series so far.
Partnered with professional dancer Mark Karmalita, Stoecker performed a Couple’s Choice routine to Olivia Rodrigo’s Stupid Song. The performance earned two 10s and a total of 37 points, placing the pair at the top of the leaderboard.
The dance carried a personal significance for Stoecker, as it was dedicated to her late father. She appeared emotional following the performance, which also drew praise from Ballas.
The head judge described Stoecker as a “beautiful dancer” and called the routine “absolutely exquisite”.
The results show also featured a group performance with Spice Girls star Mel C, who joined the Strictly professional dancers for a fitness-inspired routine.
Strictly Prepares for Its Halloween Special
The remaining couples will return to the ballroom for the show’s Halloween special on Saturday, October 31.
The next results show will introduce an additional challenge, with Strictly announcing its first-ever triple dance-off. The three couples with the lowest combined judges’ scores and public votes will face one another before the judges decide which pair leaves the competition.
The series will return to its usual two-couple dance-off format after the Halloween special.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 6.30pm on Saturday, October 31, with the remaining contestants preparing to face another potentially decisive week in the competition.