Former ‘Winner’ Faces Harsh Criticism from Strictly Viewers: Absolute Rubbish or Fair Judgment?
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left divided after the judges’ comments for one couple were deemed ‘harsh’. The highly anticipated live shows of the BBC One dance contest returned with a bang on Saturday night, marking the beginning of a new season filled with dazzling performances and intense critiques.
The 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing kicked off with a spectacular routine from the professional dancers, showcasing their talents in flamenco, cha cha, paso doble, and salsa moves set to a medley of lively songs. The colorful outfits and infectious energy set the tone for a night of entertainment and competition.
Among the 15 new couples who took the stage for the first time was EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas. Michelle, who was paired with a celebrity for the first time since joining the show in 2022, delivered a stunning Viennese Waltz performance to Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things. The judges awarded them 23 points, placing them in the middle of the leaderboard as they headed into week two.
However, the judges’ feedback was not entirely positive. Head judge Shirley Ballas pointed out that Jamie appeared “disjointed and imbalanced” during certain moments of the routine, while also mentioning that his energy was commendable but his execution was lacking. This critique left some fans questioning the fairness of the judges’ assessments, especially considering Jamie’s recent victory in the Strictly Christmas special alongside Nancy Xu.
Social media was abuzz with reactions from viewers who felt that Jamie’s performance was unfairly criticized. Many took to Twitter to express their support for the EastEnders actor and criticize the judges for what they perceived as overly harsh feedback. Comments ranged from disbelief at the judges’ assessments to accusations of inconsistency in their critiques compared to other contestants.
Support for Jamie
Twitter user @atvfriend voiced their frustration, calling the judges’ comments “absolute rubbish” and urging Jamie to listen to his partner Michelle instead. They also questioned the judges’ fairness in their evaluations, highlighting the perceived randomness in their critiques. The sentiment was echoed by @koocentre, who noted that while Jamie’s performance may not have been flawless, it was far from the worst of the night.
Defending Jamie’s Potential
Several viewers, including @fifisyms and @TashAmaka, expressed their belief in Jamie’s potential to go far in the competition despite the judges’ criticisms. Many felt that the judges were too quick to dismiss Jamie’s abilities and unfairly dampened his spirits with their feedback. @Motheroffloofs went as far as to question whether the judges were watching the same dance as the audience, praising Jamie’s performance as “brilliant” in their eyes.
Controversy and Critique
The backlash against the judges’ comments highlights the ongoing debate within the Strictly Come Dancing fan community about the fairness and consistency of the judging panel. While constructive criticism is an integral part of the competition, viewers expect judges to provide feedback that is both accurate and encouraging to all contestants, including former winners like Jamie Borthwick.
As the competition progresses and the stakes get higher, the judges will undoubtedly face increased scrutiny from fans and contestants alike. The balance between constructive criticism and unfair judgment will continue to be a hot topic of discussion, shaping the narrative of each week’s performances and results.
In the meantime, Jamie and Michelle will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming routines, using the judges’ feedback as motivation to improve and prove their doubters wrong. With the support of their fans and the determination to succeed, they have the potential to overcome any obstacles and shine on the Strictly Come Dancing stage.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Jamie Borthwick’s performance on Strictly Come Dancing serves as a reminder of the high expectations and intense scrutiny faced by contestants in the competition. While criticism is a natural part of any competitive environment, it is essential for judges to provide feedback that is both constructive and fair, allowing contestants to grow and showcase their talents to the best of their abilities. Only time will tell how Jamie and Michelle will respond to the judges’ comments and whether they will emerge stronger from the experience.
