BBC Strictly 'fix' row erupts as fans call for urgent format change over 'biased' Shirley Ballas decision
WATCH HERE: Shayne Ward exits Strictly Come Dancing 2024
BBC
Strictly fans were outraged after former X Factor star Shayne Ward was eliminated from the competition on Sunday amidst growing claims of biased judging.
Ward was sent home after the deciding vote from head judge Shirley Ballas was given in favour of Opera singer Wynne Evans.
Ward and pro dance partner Nancy Xu performed a Rumba which failed to impress, placing him at the bottom of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Evans and partner Katya Jones danced an American smooth to see them third from bottom.
On Sunday night, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose to save Ward in the dance-off - while Anton Du Beke went for Evans.
Ballas admitted she found the decision “quite difficult” because “I don’t want to see either couple leave because you’ve both had a great run this series".
In the end, Ballas chose to save Evans for displaying a “much more powerful and joyous routine”.
Ward and Evans faced each other in the dance-off
BBC
Her role as head judge meant Ballas’ vote for the Welsh opera singer broke the tie and saw him through to the iconic ballroom in Blackpool next week.
Incensed Strictly fans took to social media following Ward’s exit, claiming Ballas was guilty of unfair favouritism towards Evans.
On X, formally Twitter, one fan fumed: “Poor judging tonight. Shirley Ballas has lost the plot with her marking and getting fed up with the bias scoring across the board. The show is definitely fixed.”
A second raged: “Shirley Ballas - SHAME ON YOU. Just goes to prove my point that she is right up Wynne's a***. Shayne is a miles better dancer. A disgusting result.”
The contestants as Ballas' decision was announced
BBC
Some viewers were even calling for Ballas to be replaced, with one fan demanding: “PLEASE BBC can you get rid of Shirley Ballas for next year, she is so biased, saves her favourites, gives 10's because of a sob story, we need a fresh face for next year.”
“I want to see Shirley Ballas replaced as head judge please #bbc #strictly preferably with someone who’s not biased, and judges based on who’s the better dancer,” another agreed while others called for the public vote to be called upon if the judges are tied with their verdicts.
A third fan asked: “Can we start a petition to get Shirley off this show, she doesn’t even bother trying to conceal her favouritism anymore and she’s head judge??”
Ballas waded into the controversy on social media, cheekily responding “where do I sign lol” to the viewer's comment.
Accusations of bias have dogged Ballas over the weekend, with fans claiming she undermarked contestants like former JLS star JB Gill and Miranda alum Sarah Hadland.
They also were angered over the head judge's apparent favouritism towards contestant Pete Wicks and dance partner Jowita Przystał.
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Fans claimed Ballas has shown favouritism towards Wicks and Evans
BBC
The Only Way of Essex star performed a powerful Couple’s Choice routine dedicated to his late grandmother.
While all four judges praised the performance, Ballas admitted she was “getting quite emotional” as she delivered her remarks to Wicks.
"I am a grandma myself, a nana, and just to see you dedicate that to your beautiful nan... Your dance was not only just filled with beautiful movements, but your heart and soul shone through what you did,” she said.
Ballas went on to award Wicks and Przystal an incredible score of 10, while the other judges gave two nines and an eight.
The head judges scoring placed Wicks high on the leaderboard, above show favourites Hadland, Gill and Eastenders star, Jamie Borthwick.
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