Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left ‘offended’ as they begged the BBC to take action after the semi-final.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left ‘offended’ as they begged the BBC to take action after the semi-final.
Strictly: Dianne Buswell emotional after routine
Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts were pleading for support for Chris McCausland after what they deemed an ‘offensive’ move from the judges during the semi-final. The comedian, partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, was among the five pairs who made it to the penultimate week of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 7).
They kicked off their bid to reach next weekend’s Strictly final by performing a Charleston to When You’re Smiling by The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn, earning 33 points from the judges. Their second performance, a Viennese waltz to Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, garnered 36 points and left both Chris and Dianne in tears at its end.
An emotional Dianne explained why she believed Chris deserved a spot in the upcoming final of Strictly’s 20th-anniversary series, stating: “I have taught Chris this whole time without a single visual cue.”
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland ’emotional wreck’ as Dianne Buswell breaks down in tearsREAD MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland gives stern warning to judge Craig Revel Horwood
She added: “He’s never been able to watch a dance back to see if he’s done a great job or to look at anything and go, ‘Maybe I can improve on that!’
“He’s never been able to see any of his competitors, see what the competition is like, he’s had none of that yet he’s seen this competition so well because he’s captured the spirit of this show.”
Strictly viewers voiced their concerns for contestant Chris after comparing his scores with those of Pete Wicks and his pro partner Jowita Przystal following their first performances.
Fans were also left puzzled by Shirley Ballas’ label of ‘Mr Strictly’ for Pete, despite him having the same amount of dance experience as Chris, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Social media was abuzz with comments, as one person remarked: “Chris only having 1 more point than pete is offensive #strictly.” (sic)
While another requested: “Please can we make sure Chris is Mr Strictly. Thanks. #Strictly.” (sic)
Frustration was evident in a third post, which read: “Pete getting the same score as Chris is actually absurd… #Strictly.” (sic)
Another fan opined: “Sorry but the scoring and judging is wild this week, Chris is miles ahead of Pete as a dancer but they’re scoring is the same… A nonsense #Strictly.” (isc)
Concern for Chris was expressed by yet another fan, who wrote: “Worried for Chris this week… everyone please VOTE! ! ! #strictly.” (sic)
Meanwhile, one viewer praised: “If there’s anyone that’s ‘Mr Strictly’ it’s Chris. What he has achieved is nothing short of outstanding. It’s so emotional watching him every week. It’s beautiful #strictly.” (sic)
One more questioned the judges’ consistency, asking: “How can Craig criticise Pete as much as that and then give him the same score he gave Chris? And a NINE from Shirley? Make it make sense #Strictly.” (sic)
Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs tonight at 7.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.