Strictly Come Dancing fans expressed their concerns over potential cheating after noticing what they believed to be a hidden signal during a recent episode. The incident occurred during the Instant Dance challenge on Saturday, November 29, where couples performed impromptu dances to secure extra points.
Details of the Challenge
The episode began with each couple showcasing their predetermined routines. Lewis Cope, a standout contestant from Emmerdale, and his partner Katya Jones captivated the audience with a rumba set to Harry Styles’ “Falling.” The pair received an impressive score of 36 points, closely following their preceding flawless performance in Blackpool.
Judges’ Praise
The head judge, Shirley Ballas, commended their performance, stating, “I love the chemistry, I love the narrative, and I love the way you told the whole story.” This endorsement highlighted their skillful execution of the dance.
Instant Dance Challenge Breakdown
- The Instant Dance challenge required couples to perform without prior preparation.
- Contestants were given just 15 seconds to select a costume and change backstage.
- They had only 10 seconds to decide which routine to perform based on a randomly chosen style.
The judges awarded points based on the performances, with the highest score being six points and the lowest just one. Lewis and Katya triumphed, gaining additional points for their jive, which they executed with calculated risk.
Accusations of Cheating
Despite their success, viewers quickly accused the couple of cheating. Observant fans pointed out that Katya allegedly signaled to Lewis about their routine before the countdown ended. One viewer noted, “Katya was signalling to Lewis about what moves to do when they were on the stairs,” highlighting a potential breach of the competition’s rules.
Another viewer echoed this sentiment, questioning the integrity of the challenge. However, some defended the couple, arguing that it wasn’t explicitly prohibited for partners to communicate during the initial moments of the challenge.
Upcoming Episodes
As discussions continue regarding the fairness of the challenge, fans eagerly anticipate the next episode of Strictly Come Dancing. The show will return on Saturday at 6:55 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
