Strictly Come Dancing fans moan 'feels rehearsed' as they issue same complaint

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left unimpressed as the opening of the show was axed once again as they demanded that the changes be reversed immediately

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were less than thrilled when they switched on their TVs for the latest live episode.

The sparkling BBC contest was back on air on Saturday (October 19) with its fifth week as a dozen couples stepped onto the dance floor hoping to dazzle the at-home audience and judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.

Yet mere minutes into the broadcast, viewers couldn't help but be distracted. The typical grand entrance by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had been scrapped once more, as they were already in place when the cameras began rolling.

Furthermore, the judges caused a stir as they entered the set in duos which compounded the audience's perplexity.

Disgruntled fans didn't hesitate to share their thoughts on X, previously known as Twitter. One viewer lamented: "No Tess and Claudia grand entrance. Judges two at a time. What is this country.", reports the Mirror.

Another voiced their discomfort: "The format changes with Claudia and Tess just standing there after the credits and the judges and contestants coming out to random songs instead of the theme were jarring at first and remain awful. Change it back immediately! ".

An additional complaint was simply: "These intros still aren't working." And another concurred, saying the show: "Feels too flat and rehearsed."

This wave of criticism follows the departure of DIY SOS star Nick Knowles from Strictly, who was axed after an absorbing dance-off with ex-Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward.

Nick and his professional dance partner Luba Mushtuk scored 21 out of 40 points for their Charleston to 'Rain on the Roof' from Paddington 2, placing them second from the bottom on the leaderboard last weekend.

Reflecting on his Strictly journey with host Tess Daly, Nick said: "I've really, really been surprised by how much I've loved doing it and by two things that happen."

"One is how much you care each week, and the other is how much you don't want to let down your partner. The only reason I could do this is simply because of Luba's changes, she's been amazing. There are some amazing dancers up there, and I will love watching the rest of the series."

An emotional Luba responded: "I've never met someone as determined as you, and I remember you saying that if you do your best, you'll be very happy. I think you did more than your best. Thank you."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One