Strictly Come Dancing fans have branded head judge Shirley Ballas’ marking “ridiculous”, after spotting an issue with her scores on Saturday night.

Viewers took particular issue with Shirley’s scores for EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. The 30-year-old entered the ballroom by descending from the ceiling on a huge ketchup bottle, before lunging into his Jive routine with his professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas.

The judges watched his dance to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup, with Motsi Mabuse bursting out laughing, telling him it was a “fantastic way” to end the show. Shirley said it was “absolute entertainment”, but criticised it, claiming it was “over tried just a tad”.

Despite her fairly high mark of an 8, which contributed to the couple’s overall 33, fans weren’t impressed that she scored Jamie and Michelle the same as Pete Wicks and and Jowita Przystał. Moments after the scoring, fans headed to social media to vent their frustrations with Shirley’s “ridiculous” marking.

Jamie spectacularly descended in to the ballrom on a ketchup bottle
Jamie spectacularly descended in to the ballrom on a ketchup bottle ( 


Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)

Wynne and Katya were scored an 8 - the same as Jamie
Wynne and Katya were scored an 8 – the same as Jamie ( 
Image:
PA)

One said: “Shirley losing all credibility as a judge giving Pete the same score as Jamie… Ridiculous. #Strictly,” before posting a Specsavers meme. Another added: “Shirley scoring Jamie and Pete the same?! Honestly judges scores are just ridiculous at this point (do love Pete but bless him his dance was not an 8). #Strictly” A third wrote: “Shirley giving Jamie the same score as she gave Pete and Motsi and Anton giving the same plus one #Strictly #SCD #Strictlycomedancing “

Someone else fumed: “Shirley being picky with Jamie but not Wynne or Pete who were far worse. #Strictly ” Another added: “Aside from Chris, that was one of the worst episodes I’ve seen. Both in terms of quality of dancing and music choice. Shirley’s score and reaction to Pete was just embarrassing.”

But despite viewers’ consistent anger with head judge Shirley, who has been on the BBC dance show since 2017, the 64-year-old insisted she isn’t “going anywhere”.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: “You know, I’m not going anywhere as long as the BBC would like to have me.” Shirley also defended her judging ethos: “I judge without fear or favour. I’m just someone who sits in that chair as head judge to stay in my lane and judge the dancing – legs, feet, body co-ordination, synchronisation and chemistry between the leader and the follower.”

She added that at home, the audience sees certain camera angles and special “effects”, adding that they see all the “footwork and landings”, spotting mistakes that viewers might miss.

Viewers were devastated to see Shayne go home last weekend. Gracious in defeat, the star said during his exit interview: “I just want to say, you guys up there [the other contestants in the Clauditorium] 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.”