Strictly Come Dancing star demands 'judges scoring is looked at' as they call for change

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has criticised the judges for their apparent bias in scoring. The 48 year old New Zealand-born dancer, who was a pro on the popular BBC dance competition from 2004 to 2017.

He also served as a judge on the New Zealand version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, from 2005 to 2009, which means the dancer has a unique perspective on both sides of the judging desk.

However, Brendan has shared his thoughts about the current season of the popular BBC show and has argued that the Strictly judging panel, which comprises of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, is being too lax with their marking.

He has noticed an inconsistency in the way the judges give their feedback, sometimes prioritising technique over performance, and vice versa. Brendan has suggested that the scoring job should be made more challenging for those on the panel, urging the show to alter the format so they have to judge twice.

The dance star took particular issue with the way scores were given out last weekend, with Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przysta receiving low scores from the judges only to then win massive support from the viewing public.

Brendan, who is collaborating with Sky Vegas, told The Mirror: "Pete was last, on his own, at the bottom of the table with 22 points, so even if they [the judges] could have scored him lower, it wouldn't have changed [his position].

"People obviously like him, and people are voting for them [Pete and Jowita Przysta] to get out of the bottom two. Whereas, people weren't voting for Montell [Douglas] and Johannes [Radebe], or Sam [Quek] and Nikita [Kuzmin], and that's why they were [in the dance-off]. Both of those couples were not at the bottom of the leaderboard."

The former Strictly star highlighted that Sam's Foxtrot was technically very good, stating that the Morning Live presenter did everything right.

He also commented on the judges feedback to Chris McCausland, confessing the dance deserved a lower score than Sam's but the judges praised his technical skills.

Touching on the scoring, Brendan believes there needs to be a shake-up as he said: "[The judges'] scoring has got to be looked at are they judging technique, or are they judging performance?

"It wouldn't hurt to have two marks for the judges a technical mark and a performance mark, then the judges really have to be on their toes. They can't just like what they like and not like what they don't."

Brendan believes the change would make it fair, adding Sam was technically one of the best in the night, but it wasn't reflected in the score she recieved of 29.

Sadly, Sam found herself in the dance-off against Montell Douglas on the weekend, despite the Gladiator star earning a score of 35 for her routine.

Both contestants had to take to the dancefloor once again in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition. In the end, it was a unanimous decision as Craig, Motsi, Shirley and Anton all opted to keep Montell and Johannes in the show.

Upon her exit, Sam said: "I’m gutted, I just want to say thank you. I’ve learned so much. Strictly has just brought that spring in my step back. It’s just been an absolute joy."

She continued: "Nikita, you’ve been key in helping me find that inner Sam that was there, who went a little bit quiet for maybe one or two years and has just come back. I’m gutted because I do feel like I still have more to give."

Her partner, Kuzmin added: "I’m just in awe of this girl. Sometimes they say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but to me it’s about the company. Sam you are the most wonderful company I could have had."

Strictly Come Dancing will return to dazzle viewers on Saturday night on BBC One and iPlayer at 6:35pm.