BBC Strictly Come Dancing branded 'unfair' as fans all demand huge change

Strictly Come Dancing viewers want big changes made to the BBC talent show because they claim one crucial rule means celebrity contestants aren’t treated fairly

Reality TV fans have called for Strictly Come Dancing to take a leaf out of the X Factor ’s rule book because they think the current system is biased and the stars are paying the price.

Singer and actor Shayne Ward recently found himself losing his place in the Strictly Come Dancing line-up. It was the third time Shayne had ended up in the dreaded dance off, after surviving the last two alongside professional partner Nancy Xu.

The former Coronation Street star, 40, faced off against broadcaster and Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans and pro Katya Jones (who were subsequently booted off the show the following week). He repeated his Rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper while Wynne performed an American Smooth to Grace Kelly by MIKA. It wasn't to be third time lucky for Shayne though thanks to the judges' votes.

Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Shayne and Nancy, as did Motsi Mabuse, while Anton Du Beke chose to save Wynne and Katya. This meant that the deciding vote was down to head judge Shirley Ballas and she ultimately opted to save Wynne, meaning Shayne had to leave the Ballroom for the last time in the competitive stage of the show.

This decision and the rules surrounding the head judge having the casting vote infuriated fans of the show who labelled it a joke and claimed the final say should be given to the public when the decision is split. Taking to Twitter , now X, viewers were quick to complain about the dance-off results. One person said: "Shirley getting casting vote is a joke... if it’s 2-2 should come down to audience vote."

Another offered their own idea and suggested Strictly take a leaf out of ITV ’s X Factor: "Or go with who actually got the least public votes - like they used to in old X factor," they wrote. A third ranted: "The judges votes is totally unfair? if two judges save one... then the other two save another, that's 2 each? how can it be that it just goes on Shirley's vote?? Absolutely unfair! what's the point of judges votes? may as well just let Shirley decide?"

Elsewhere, another viewer posted: "#strictly Surely, if it's 2 - 2 with the judges' votes, the decider should be the public vote", and a different account pleaded: "Please no more 'Head Judge Shirley decision' they need to go back to the public vote. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another added: "I don’t like the head judge rules if it’s 2-2 after the judges call go to the public vote #strictly."

After the divisive vote had been cast by Shirley, host Tess Daly asked Shayne about his time on the show. He said: "I just want to say, you guys up there [the other contestants and dancers] are a dream. Every single day, coming in here and seeing you guys you helped me so much. I want to say thank you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I've ever done."

He continued: "I'm proud that I made it to eight weeks as a novice dancer. A massive thank you goes to this incredible human right next to me [Nancy], who has put so much fire in me and made me believe that I can actually achieve more if I let myself go. I'm sorry it didn't work out to the end, but I'm super proud that I got to meet you and dance with you, so thank you."

Meanwhile, Nancy added: "I'm beyond proud of this dance partnership. Shayne from week one until this point, every second you put your feet on the dancefloor you improved yourself. You're a deep thinker, you always doubt yourself, you never believed yourself, but I never ever questioned you. When I watch you, I feel proud because I've turned someone who has never ever danced in their life into an amazing dancer. You should believe in yourself. I adored this partnership."

What do you think about the voting rules on Strictly? Let us know in the comments below.