Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Sarah Hadland opened tonight's Musicals Week special with her pro partner Vito Coppola - and fans were left divided by the performance.
The pair performed a Wicked-themed Charleston to the iconic song Popular, and while it seemed to impress the panel of judges, some viewers at home were left jokingly demanding a "10-point deduction" after what one described as a "messy" routine.
Anton Du Beke described the number as a "wonderful piece of musical theatre" before adding: "I loved watching you dance."
Craig Revel-Horwood, traditionally the strictest judge, praised the characterisation of the dance, saying it was "fast and phenomenal", asking the Miranda star: "How did you get those swivels in?"
The pair celebrated as they scored 38 points out of a possible 40, with 9s from Craig and Motsi, and 10s from head judge Shirley, and Anton. But some viewers at home had other ideas.
READ MORE: Strictly's Chris McCausland admits it 'hurts' as star casts doubt on show future [LATEST]
Can we introduce an automatic 10-point deduction for cringey talky bits at the beginning of routines? #strictly
— Drivelcast (@drivelcast) November 30, 2024
One fan joked on X: "Can we introduce an automatic 10-point deduction for cringey talky bits at the beginning of routines?"
A second commented: "It was a bit messy by their standards."
But her core fan base defended the star, with one saying: "Surely that's a 40? That routine was perfect."
Another chimed in: "Sarah and Vito opening the show dancing their Charleston to Popular from Wicked was absolutely brilliant and can we just talk about the lifts, they were amazing. The trust they have in each other is so good to watch. and loved seeing the Miranda cast in the audience."
Another viewer said: "Let’s all collectively agree Sarah and Vito deserved the full 40 for this dance, she smashed it."
It was a bit messy by their standards #Strictly
— ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Jude ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (@JMACL1673) November 30, 2024
The moment was made even more special for Sarah, 53, as her Miranda co-stars Miranda Hart and Patricia Hodge cheered her on in the front row, giving the star a standing ovation at the end of her performance.
The actress has so far avoided the dreaded dance-off, which is impressive at this stage of the competition.
They will be hoping to make it through to next week's semi-final. The results will be announced on BBC One during Sunday night's result show.
