Strictly Fans Outraged as Shirley Ballas Faces Backlash Over Dance-Off Decision

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas faced criticism from fans following her controversial decision on the latest results show. Viewers were left questioning her reasoning after actor and singer Shayne Ward, along with his dance partner Nancy Xu, was eliminated from the competition despite receiving positive feedback.

Shayne and Nancy had performed a rumba to Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time for week eight of the 2024 season, earning 30 points. While Shayne admitted to enjoying the challenging performance, judge Motsi Mabuse remarked it “was not one of your best dances.” Shirley, however, commended the duo’s chemistry development. Despite the praise, they found themselves in the bottom two for the third time, facing off against Wynne Evans and his partner Katya Jones, who performed an American Smooth to Grace Kelly by MIKA.

After both couples repeated their routines in the dance-off, the judges cast their votes. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi chose to save Shayne and Nancy, while Anton Du Beke opted for Wynne and Katya. With the vote tied, Shirley held the deciding vote. Expressing her reluctance, she stated, “I don’t want to see either of them leave because I thought you both had a great run this series.” Explaining her decision, she mentioned that while both routines had “little hiccups,” one had a “more powerful and joyous routine.” She ultimately chose to save Wynne and Katya, sending them to the upcoming Blackpool special, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Shirley’s reasoning, particularly her comment about Wynne’s routine being more “joyous,” didn’t sit well with fans, who quickly voiced their frustration online. Many pointed out that the comparison was unfair, as Shayne’s rumba inherently differed in tone from Wynne’s American Smooth.

Twitter user @LauraSianDixon said, “Shirley…. putting someone through because they had a more ‘joyous routine’ when that’s… just the dance they were given?? That’s not really judging the actual dance-off #Strictly.” Another fan, @yourschloex, echoed the sentiment: “Shirley using the fact that Wynne’s dance was more ‘joyous’ as a basis for her decision is completely ridiculous. It’s not Shayne’s fault he had a rumba and Wynne had an American smooth #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

The criticism continued with @buttonidiots, who added, “Deciding to save the most joyous routine when it’s a rumba against an American smooth is such bulls**t- #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.” Another frustrated viewer, @Emma_Breeze91, commented, “I’m sorry but what sort of reason for saving someone is that it was more ‘joyous’!? Firstly, it has zero link to it actually being a well-danced routine, and secondly, a rumba is lovely and never joyous—not Shayne’s fault! Fuming #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

As the show heads into its Blackpool special, Shirley’s decision remains a heated topic among fans, who argue that judging should focus on technical skill rather than the style of dance assigned to each couple.