Viewers of Strictly Come Dancing expressed their frustration during the semi-final episode aired on December 13, 2025. Many criticized the judging panel, suggesting a potential “fix” in the competition. The semi-final, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, featured the final four couples competing for a place in the grand final.
Judges Accused of Bias
The panel, consisting of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, scored several performances, igniting viewer outrage. EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon opened the show with a Salsa, earning a score of 9 from both Shirley and Anton. This decision unsettled fans, leading to claims of favoritism.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
On social media, numerous viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their discontent. Some fans argued that the same score awarded to Balvinder should not apply when comparing performances. Comments included:
- “Shed loads of critique for Amber, but none for Balvinder. What a fix this show is.”
- “If Balvinder is in the dance off again and gets saved by the judges, we all know it’s 100% a fix.”
Conversely, some viewers defended Balvinder, praising her and Julian for their performances. Supporters remarked on their journey together and expressed hope for their advancement to the final.
Leaderboard Standings
After the semi-final performances, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu topped the leaderboard with 78 points. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin followed closely with 77 points, while George Clarke and Alexis Warr secured 72 points. Balvinder and Julian found themselves at the bottom with 70 points, having previously survived five dance-offs.
Final Showdown Ahead
The upcoming dance-off will see Craig Revel Horwood cast the deciding vote, determining which couples will head to the grand final. As the competition intensifies, viewers eagerly anticipate the outcome and continue to debate the fairness of the judging.
Strictly Come Dancing can be streamed on BBC iPlayer for those wishing to catch up on the drama.
