Strictly Come Dancing Viewers Defend Chris McCausland Over ‘Offensive’ Scoring in Semi-Finals
Strictly Come Dancing fans have come to the defense of comedian Chris McCausland after what they perceived as an “offensive” scoring decision during the semi-finals, reported by OK! Magazine. Chris, alongside his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell, delivered an emotional performance on Saturday night’s show (7 December), but the judges’ scores left many viewers confused and upset.
The pair started their semi-final journey with a lively Charleston, which earned them 33 points. They followed it with a heartfelt Viennese Waltz, which scored 36 points. A tearful Dianne expressed her admiration for Chris’s dedication throughout the competition, highlighting the unique challenges he faced as a blind contestant.
“I have taught Chris this whole time without a single visual cue,” Dianne said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. “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.”
However, despite Chris’s remarkable journey and emotional performances, viewers felt his scores were unfairly close to those of Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal, who both lacked a dance background. Fans took to social media to voice their frustration, particularly over the scoring and judging of the show.
One fan tweeted: “Chris only having 1 more point than Pete is offensive.” Another urged: “Please can we make sure Chris is Mr Strictly. Thanks. #Strictly.” A third commented: “Pete getting the same score as Chris is actually absurd…” Another added: “Sorry but the scoring and judging is wild this week, Chris is miles ahead of Pete as a dancer but their scoring is the same… A nonsense #Strictly.”
Supporters of Chris were quick to point out his dedication and achievements on the show. “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,” one fan praised.
Some also questioned the consistency of the judges. One viewer pointed out: “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.”