For fans of Strictly Come Dancing, the weekend dance-off is often just as nail-biting as it is for the celebrities on stage.
But lately, viewers are growing increasingly frustrated—not with the dancing, but with the judges’ decisions themselves.
The Mail on Sunday has learned that loyal fans are questioning why certain contestants are being saved, leaving them feeling their votes may not count as much as they hoped.
Amber Davies Survives While Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Leaves
Last week, former Love Island star Amber Davies, 29, was saved by Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood over ex-footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53.
The outcome left many viewers bewildered. Strictly combines judges’ scores from Saturday night with public votes, but the public never sees the split.
Whoever scores lowest faces the dance-off, and the judges have the final say in who stays or goes.
Fans argue that it should be the public vote that decides elimination.
Instead, the judges’ expert opinions can override the audience, leaving viewers frustrated when they feel their votes are being disregarded.
BBC Aware of Viewer Concerns
Insiders reveal that BBC bosses are conscious of the growing discontent.
The network knows that audiences love following the celebrities’ personal growth on the show and fear that ratings could drop if the focus shifts too heavily to who the judges choose to save.
Anton Du Beke, who held the casting vote last week, sided with his fellow judges in keeping Amber Davies in the competition.
They insisted their decisions were based purely on dancing ability, particularly following her performance with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Controversy Over Judges’ Authority
A source close to the show commented, “Some of the bosses are at odds with the judges’ dance-off because they know that Jimmy was doing well.
He had improved a lot, but his time on the show came to an end, while Amber, who has a dance background, stayed.
The public don’t want to see that, and the bosses know it.”
The source emphasized that part of what keeps viewers engaged is watching celebrities’ journeys and improvements.
“People are very invested in Strictly, and they vote because they want their opinions to matter. When the judges override that, it’s frustrating.
It’s starting to become a problem.”
Fans Take to Social Media
Reaction on social media was swift and fierce. On Halloween night, many fans expressed anger at Amber and Nikita being saved.
One user wrote, “I wish Strictly would use the public vote to decide who leaves.
What’s the point in asking people to vote when it’s up to the judges anyway?” Another added, “Anyone in the dance-off against Amber and Nikita isn’t staying because the judges won’t send her home.
What a shame, because I loved Jimmy.”
Amber Davies’ Dance Credentials
It’s easy to see why the judges might favour Amber. She trained at London’s Urdang Academy and has starred in West End shows like 9 To 5 The Musical, Back To The Future, Bring It On, The Great Gatsby, and Pretty Woman.
She is also set to play the lead in a 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde, further highlighting her professional dance and stage background.
While fans may feel conflicted about the influence of judges in dance-offs, Amber Davies’ experience and talent make her a formidable competitor.
The real question now is whether Strictly can balance professional skill with the audience’s desire to see their favourites succeed.