BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers point out show 'shocker' as they make Halloween complaint

It was fright night in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom but not everyone was happy. The BBC One dance contest returned on Saturday night (October 26) with its annual Halloween special.

The spooktacular live show saw the 11 remaining couples go all out with the theme ahead of the big day on October 31, and it was Miranda star Sarah Hadland and EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick who jointly topped the leaderboard after a dramatic evening of performances.

Comedian Chris McCausland kicked off the episode with a lively samba to Stayin’ Alive by The Bee Gees. Dressed in a sparkly suit and frazzled wig, the stand-up grooved along the floor in between gravestones with his partner Dianne Buswell to pick up a score of 26.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans howling as they spot 'Phillip Schofield' on Halloween show

Motsi Mabuse hailed it as a “fun way to open the show” and said he had “nailed the character” while head judge Shirley Ballas thought he did “incredibly well” but that he “overcooked the bounce” in the dance.

Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan came joint bottom of the scoreboard alongside Chris after her tango to Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics with professional Gorka Marquez. Motsi said she saw a “good improvement” this week but wanted the GP to exaggerate more.

But it was Sarah's night as the actress and reigning Strictly champion Vito Coppola secured a score of 38 by impressing the judges with their heated Argentine tango to Ready Or Not by Fugees which was filled with challenging lifts and graceful footwork.

Judges Motsi and Anton Du Beke both declared it the “dance of the night”, while Craig Revel Horwood noted Hadland had an issue with her first lift but he still thought it was “the most wonderful Argentine tango”.

Actor Jamie and his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas picked up the same score for their playful American smooth to The Addams Family theme while dressed as brother and sister duo Wednesday and Pugsley Addams. Shirley hailed it as “pure genius” and complimented how they moved across the floor while Craig thought it was “incredible”.

But not everyone watching was happy with how Halloween week played out as they were left questioning some of the choices made on the night.

@rubyisragin said: "MOST OF THESE SONGS ARE NOT HALLOWEEN AT ALL #Strictly." @SianJasper commented: "Song choices are very weird this Halloween ep. Where’s the Halloween songs? This is like a Christmas special without Christmas music #strictly." @DebbieBlackma14 wrote: "I don't know what these songs are to do with Halloween #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @SG902110 posted: "Doesn’t even feel like Halloween week on #Strictly it’s my fav too. So disappointed."

But, @DiscoDarling88 shared: "Halloween week never disappoints. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @chloebear529 supported: "Ok this years Halloween week delivered #strictly." @BritishBC added: "The best @bbcstrictly #Halloween Week ever! The quality of dancing was outstanding #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly."

However, there was another 'missing' element that viewers were quick to point out. @evilslugs said: "NO GHOST PADDLES #Strictly SHOCKER." @HelenHackworthy commented: "Where are the special Halloween ghost paddles, Strictly? #Strictly #SCD #StrictlyComeDancing." @JackieClarkso16 added: "Where are the ghost paddles that the judges use in Halloween week #Strictly."