Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts didn’t take long to voice the same complaint moments into Sunday’s results show. Veering from tradition, the show opened not with the professionals’ dance but with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman greeting viewers.
“Welcome to the results show 2024,” started Tess, as Claudia continued: “Tess and I are talking in serious tones and that can only mean one thing, the return of the dance-off.”
Tess added: “After two weeks of performances and judges’ scores you have now had your day. Tonight, two couples must compete to stay in the ballroom and nobody wants to be the first to go home.”
Claudia chimed in with more suspense: “And if that wasn’t enough drama for you then this might do the trick,” before announcing, “Opening our results style, please welcome the professional dancers and the judges,” reports the Daily Mirror.
Viewers did not hesitate to head over to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their opinions. While some enjoyed the change, others were less enthusiastic.
One viewer commented: “That was a very weird opening. Why did Tess & Claud introduce the pro number? #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”
“Why are we not starting straight into a pro number please stop changing the format it’s weirding me out #strictly,” questioned another.
A third shared: “Something feel off this year like they are formatting the show differently? I don’t like it #Strictly.” (sic).
Meanwhile, someone else pondered: “I must ask why they don’t just do the results later on Saturday night #strictly.”
“Kinda weird having the judges be in the pros dance no? #strictly,” one viewer tweeted, while another added: “Genuinely what is going on #Strictly.”
Yet, not all viewers were puzzled, with one fan expressing their excitement: “This is incredible… #strictly.”
As the episode progressed, presenters Tess and Claudia revealed which celebrities faced the dreaded dance-off.
Olympian Tom Dean was the first to be called out, followed by singer Toyah Willcox. Both appeared disheartened by the news but ready to give it their all.
The two pairs will return to the dance floor, with Tom and his partner Nadiya Bychkova performing their Cha Cha to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire, and Toyah alongside Neil Jones dancing the Jive to “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike and Tina Turner.
After the performances, the judges will deliver their verdicts, and should there be a tie, head judge Shirley Ballas has the final say.
Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday on BBC One.