One of the judges even rushed out to support the star after their performance
BBC viewers tuning into the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing were left absolutely livid over what they branded a complete ‘travesty’.
Musicals week took centre stage in the recent instalment of the beloved dance contest. Audiences were treated to dazzling performances and show-stopping numbers from acclaimed productions including Phantom of the Opera and blockbuster film The Greatest Showman.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman resumed their presenting roles on Saturday (December 6) to showcase the celebrity performances. Yet one particular routine left audiences completely baffled.
Following EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and partner Julian’s survival in the previous week’s dance-off, the duo delivered a Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. Their performance concluded to thunderous applause and overwhelming emotion.
Balvinder was emotional after her dance(Image: BBC)
The soap star revealed the track carried deep significance for the partnership, explaining their desire to demonstrate to viewers that “we are enough”, reports Wales Online.
The entire judging panel showered them with acclaim afterwards. Anton declared: “The whole room just went straight into you.”
Craig remarked: “It had feeling, it had emotion, you are a fighter.” Shirley observed: “Long after this competition, you will always be a hero for me.”
Balvinder became visibly overcome and couldn’t contain her tears. This prompted Motsi to dash from the judges’ panel to comfort her, whilst Tess could be heard offering words of encouragement to the star.
Despite their efforts, the pair received one 8 and three 9s. This marked their highest score of the series, but it left fans seething. Viewers were quick to question the judges’ scoring as they took to social media to voice their reactions.
Motsi came out to hug her after her performance(Image: BBC)
One fan wrote on social media: “Balvinder and Julian created a proper moment. Goosebumps. Shocking they never got any 10s. If there is any justice in the world she will get to the semi-final without a dance off.”
Another chimed in: “After all the good comments from Shirley, Motsi and Anton and they gave Balvinder an 9 thought they would given her a 10.”
A third fan declared: “Queen Balvinder slayed again she deserved at least one 10.” Meanwhile, another viewer expressed their outrage, posting: “Balvinder not getting a 40 for that dance is a CRIME. What more do they want from her! It was incredible.”
And one emotional fan confessed: “Balvinder had me in tears, that was an incredible performance, undermarked as usual, she should’ve got at least 2 10s, judges are so mean!”
However, it wasn’t long before the judges awarded a perfect score. All four judges gave top marks to the next dance, with Amber and Nikita earning a flawless 40 for their rendition of ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat’, from the musical Guys and Dolls.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7.45pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
