Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke have sparked outrage with their comments towards Balvinder Sopal, with many claiming the two are persistently “so mean” when critiquing the EastEnders star compared with other contestants.
Ms Sopal performed a Quickstep for Icons Week, which she and partner Julian Callion dedicated to Beyonce.
The actress was attempting to bounce back after finding herself in the dance off two weeks running despite positive scores and feedback.
Despite her efforts in the energetic routine though, Ms Ballas and Mr Du Beke were particularly critical.
BBC Strictly: Shirley Ballas was once again critical of Balvinder Sopal
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BBC
Reflecting on how they had danced to Beyonce’s Texas Hold ‘Em, Ms Ballas began: “Many moons ago, I lived in Houston, Texas for five years, and I used to go to the line dancing.
“They played this music. We’d all be up there with our boots. I’ve still got my hat. So thanks for the memories that you brought back for me today.”
Turning towards her thoughts on the dance, she added: “Anything that was solo today, I could see that you were really giving all your confidence. This was a little bit of a new Balvinder for me.
“Today, you came in and you gave it A-Star with your personality… When you get together, that still needs work.”
The judge continued: “The footwork needs work. But more than that, sometimes you can get away with the foot error because you’re moving so fast, but you will never get away with the upper half of the body moving in every sort of direction.
BBC Strictly: Balvinder Sopal appeared deflated by the judges’ comments
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BBC
“So tighten that up a little bit. Have a little look at those feet.”
Despite nodding in acknowledgement, Ms Sopal appeared deflated by the comments.
Mr Du Beke then added: “I love the vibe. You had a great vibe, great atmosphere about the whole thing.
“We knew exactly what you were trying to do. And I agree a little bit with Shirley it’s just, it just looks a little hesitant.
“That’s all it is. I just feel we talked about it earlier, about committing weight from foot to foot.
“I’d like you to do one thing for me in the coming weeks, I’d like you to feel like you’re striding outside of your comfort zone.”
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During the feedback, plenty of viewers took to X to question the “harsh” remarks, with others also blasting Ms Ballas’ anecdote.
One penned: “Shirley: ‘Let me take this opportunity to make YOUR dance about ME.’ #Strictly.”
Sharing a picture that read “Make it about you,” another wrote: “Shirley giving feedback to every contestant #Strictly.”
“Idk why they are being so harsh like yeah, she seemed unsure maybe that’s because she was in the dance-off two weeks in a row? They were all fine with Vicky being nervous #strictly,” another pointed out.
Another fumed: “#Strictly of course they critique her,” with another adding: “They’re so mean to Bal, icba #Strictly.”
BBC Strictly: Balvinder Sopal and Julian Callion achieved a score of 28 for their routine
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BBC
“Why do Shirley and Anton hate Balvinder? Every week they criticise her more than anyone else #StrictlyComeDancing,” another echoed.
Someone else wrote: “It feels like Balvinder keeps getting set up to fail with her routines, hopefully she doesn’t end up in the dance off for the third time #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
BBC Strictly: Balvinder Sopal has been in the dance-off for the last two weeks
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BBC
“The judges are being beyond harsh on Bal idgaf #Strictly,” another posted.
One more raged: “Feels like Balvinder’s judge’s critique is a hell of a lot longer than others. If she’s in the dance-off this week – I’m calling bulls***! #Strictly.” (sic)