Fans of Strictly Come Dancing expressed their outrage following the results of the semi-final episode aired on December 13, 2023. The elimination of contestant Balvinder Sopal, who partnered with professional dancer Julian Caillon, sparked accusations of a “fixed” competition as viewers took to social media to voice their displeasure.
During the semi-final, the remaining four pairs showcased their skills, with each celebrity performing two routines. Karen Carney and Carlos Gu led the leaderboard with a remarkable total of 78 points, closely followed by Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin with 77 points. George Clarke and Alexis Warr secured third place with 72 points, while Balvinder and Julian finished last with 70 points, according to reports from Wales Online.
As the results of public voting were revealed, Balvinder and Amber found themselves in the bottom two, necessitating a final showdown. Despite both pairs delivering powerful performances, the judges ultimately favored Amber and Nikita, leading to Balvinder’s exit from the competition.
The elimination triggered a wave of criticism from viewers. Many fans argued that Balvinder, who had shown significant improvement as a non-dancer, was unfairly eliminated in favor of Amber, a seasoned performer. One viewer expressed frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Poor Bal didn’t stand a chance up against Amber doing couples’ choice – basically a West End routine….that she’s done every day. Total fix. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, posting, “The celebrity (#Balvinder) who went from non-dancer to really really good is sent home. The professional dancer, Amber, is sent to the final.” The same supporter shared a gif that stated “that’s a criminal offence.”
Additional comments reflected the emotional impact of the elimination. One viewer lamented, “I’m bawling. I’m gonna miss them so much,” while another added, “I’m gonna miss Bal so much :(( #strictly.” The heartfelt connection between Balvinder and Julian was also highlighted, with one viewer noting, “Oh I’m crying, Bal and Julian’s speeches to each other were so beautiful. I’m so proud of them and have loved watching them.”
The final of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to air on December 20, 2023, where Amber and Nikita will compete against George and Alexis, as well as Karen and Carlos for the coveted glitterball trophy.
The show continues to be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to catch up on the latest performances and drama as the competition nears its conclusion.
