Strictly Come Dancing, the beloved BBC One dance competition, never fails to ignite passionate discussions among its dedicated fanbase.

The latest controversy emerged after judge Shirley Ballas delivered a pointed critique of actor Lewis Cope and professional dancer Katya Jones during the show’s second live episode of the 2025 season.

Their Viennese Waltz performance to “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims was met with mixed reactions, but Shirley’s comments particularly stirred the pot.

After the dance, Shirley praised the music’s refinement but described the performance itself as “too aggressive.” She emphasized the importance of power and posture in ballroom dancing, highlighting Lewis’s natural ability but suggesting that the pair lacked the elegance and fluidity expected in a Viennese Waltz. Shirley’s detailed feedback included advice about maintaining a “swan-like neck” and creating beautiful lines, which she felt were missing from the routine.

 

The live audience’s reaction was immediate and vocal, with boos directed at Shirley’s critique. Undeterred, Shirley raised her finger and asked the crowd to “hold on,” explaining her perspective further. She acknowledged Lewis’s athleticism and Katya’s power but insisted that the performance lacked the subtlety and grace that the dance style demands.

Despite the criticism, Shirley awarded the duo a score of six out of ten, contributing to their overall total of 27 points. This score reflected her mixed feelings—recognizing their strengths while pointing out areas for improvement.

 

The aftermath of Shirley Ballas’s critique saw Strictly Come Dancing fans sharply divided on social media platforms. Many viewers accused Shirley of harboring a personal dislike for Katya Jones, citing a pattern of harsh critiques directed at the professional dancer in previous seasons. Comments ranged from claims that Shirley’s criticism was “unprofessional and biased” to accusations of a “cruel feud” between the judge and Katya.

One fan expressed frustration, saying, “Shirley isn’t even trying to hide her dislike for Katya!” while another questioned, “What is Shirley’s problem with Katya? Every time Katya has a contender, Shirley is harsh with him.” These sentiments highlighted a growing perception among some fans that Shirley’s judgments might be influenced by personal feelings rather than purely professional assessments.

On the other hand, a significant portion of the audience sided with Shirley’s critique, praising her expertise and understanding of ballroom dance nuances. Supporters argued that the Viennese Waltz requires a delicate balance of power and refinement, and that Shirley’s feedback was constructive rather than biased. Comments like “I completely agree with Shirley Ballas. There’s a time for crash bang wallop, and the waltz is not that time,” underscored the respect many fans have for her technical knowledge.

For Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, the critique and ensuing fan debate add another layer of pressure as the competition progresses. Lewis, known for his acting background, and Katya, a seasoned professional, must now navigate not only the technical challenges of the dances but also the public scrutiny that comes with high-profile critiques.

Katya, in particular, has faced intense attention from judges and fans alike over the years, making Shirley’s comments especially impactful. However, the duo’s ability to take feedback in stride and continue improving will be crucial to their success on Strictly Come Dancing.

The division among Strictly Come Dancing fans following Shirley Ballas’s critique of Lewis Cope and Katya Jones highlights the passionate engagement the show inspires. Whether viewers agree or disagree with Shirley’s assessment, her expertise and candid feedback remain central to the competition’s dynamic.

As the season unfolds, fans can expect more spirited debates and memorable performances. If you’re a Strictly enthusiast, stay tuned for upcoming episodes and share your thoughts on the judges’ critiques and contestants’ progress.

Ready to join the conversation? Follow the latest Strictly Come Dancing updates and let us know your opinions on Shirley Ballas’s judging style and the performances of Lewis Cope and Katya Jones!

The uproar erupted following Katya’s fiery Latin routine with her celebrity partner, which received mixed feedback from the panel — but it was Shirley’s particularly scathing remarks that left both the studio audience and fans at home in shock. While fellow judges praised the pair’s energy and creativity, Shirley took a noticeably different tone, describing the performance as “messy,” “overacted,” and “lacking technical precision.” Her score — a meagre 6, compared to 8s and 9s from the other judges — immediately sparked outrage online.



The uproar erupted following Katya’s fiery Latin routine with her celebrity partner, which received mixed feedback from the panel — but it was Shirley’s particularly scathing remarks that left both the studio audience and fans at home in shock. While fellow judges praised the pair’s energy and creativity, Shirley took a noticeably different tone, describing the performance as “messy,” “overacted,” and “lacking technical precision.” Her score — a meagre 6, compared to 8s and 9s from the other judges — immediately sparked outrage online.



The uproar erupted following Katya’s fiery Latin routine with her celebrity partner, which received mixed feedback from the panel — but it was Shirley’s particularly scathing remarks that left both the studio audience and fans at home in shock. While fellow judges praised the pair’s energy and creativity, Shirley took a noticeably different tone, describing the performance as “messy,” “overacted,” and “lacking technical precision.” Her score — a meagre 6, compared to 8s and 9s from the other judges — immediately sparked outrage online.


 

The controversy deepened later in the results show, when Shirley was asked to elaborate on her scoring. “It’s not about personalities or favorites,” she said firmly. “It’s about technique, timing, and storytelling — and tonight, I felt the storytelling overshadowed the fundamentals.” But her explanation did little to calm the backlash. One viewer tweeted, “Funny how that rule only seems to apply to Katya — other couples can ‘tell a story’ and still get nines!”

Fans also accused Shirley of showing favoritism toward certain other pros, particularly newer dancers who seem to receive more lenient feedback. “She gushes over some of them for half-decent footwork, but nitpicks Katya for breathing wrong,” one fan posted. Another added, “It’s getting hard to watch when you can predict who’ll get praised before they even dance.”

Fans pointed out that this wasn’t the first time Shirley had been accused of being overly harsh toward the Russian-born professional dancer. Several viewers compiled side-by-side clips showing past weeks where Katya’s routines received lower scores or harsher critiques than similar performances by other pros. “It’s a pattern,” one viral post claimed. “Shirley never gives Katya the credit she deserves, no matter how good the dance is.”

Adding to the drama, the studio audience reportedly booed when Shirley’s score was revealed — an increasingly rare reaction on Strictly Come Dancing, where decorum usually reigns. Host Claudia Winkleman tried to lighten the tension, joking, “Ouch — tough crowd tonight!” but even her quick wit couldn’t defuse the growing unease. Cameras briefly caught Katya putting on a brave smile, though viewers noticed her eyes looked glassy as she thanked the judges.

Still, the tension was palpable among fans who felt Katya was being unfairly targeted. Several posts compared Shirley’s score for Katya’s dance to her higher mark for another routine that appeared visibly less precise. “She literally tripped and still got a 7,” one viewer exclaimed. “Katya gives us a full performance and gets slammed. Make it make sense!”

Katya herself has not publicly addressed the controversy but shared a cryptic message on her Instagram Stories the next morning: “Keep smiling. Keep dancing. The truth always shows on the floor.” The post was quickly flooded with heart emojis and messages of support from fans and fellow professionals, including Strictly veterans who praised her “strength and grace under pressure.”

Support for Katya poured in from fans, who called her one of the show’s most creative and fearless choreographers. Many highlighted how she consistently takes risks and brings fresh concepts to the ballroom — even when those risks don’t always land with the judges. “Katya gives us entertainment every week,” one fan wrote. “She’s the only one pushing boundaries — and she gets punished for it.”

Even some former contestants came to her defense. An ex-Strictly star told a tabloid, “Katya’s one of the hardest-working pros in the business. She doesn’t just teach routines — she tells stories. Sometimes that rubs the traditionalists the wrong way, but it’s what keeps Strictly exciting.”

Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into fresh controversy after furious viewers accused head judge Shirley Ballas of showing “blatant bias” against professional dancer Katya Jones — with fans flooding social media claiming that Ballas’s harsh scoring and critical comments during Saturday night’s episode were “personal.”

Within minutes, X (formerly Twitter) was ablaze with furious comments. “What is Shirley’s problem with Katya?” one viewer fumed. “She can’t even hide it anymore — the bias is so obvious!” Another wrote, “Shirley’s been gunning for Katya all season. It’s not constructive criticism anymore — it’s personal.”

Longtime viewers will remember this isn’t the first time Shirley Ballas has faced backlash from the fandom. Over the years, she’s weathered criticism for being “too tough” on female contestants and pros, while being perceived as more forgiving toward male dancers. Though she’s consistently denied any bias, the pattern of fan frustration seems to resurface season after season — and this latest blow-up has reignited old debates.

As the show heads into another high-stakes week, all eyes will be on the judges’ table. Will Shirley address the controversy on-air? Will Katya continue to rise above the drama and deliver another show-stopping performance?

Meanwhile, inside sources at the BBC have reportedly taken note of the fan backlash. According to one insider, producers were “surprised by the strength of the reaction” and are closely monitoring social media sentiment. “They know viewer trust is crucial,” the source said. “Strictly thrives on fair play and warmth — so anything that looks like bias is taken very seriously behind the scenes.”

However, some insiders defended Shirley, suggesting that her strong critique came from a place of professionalism, not personal dislike. “Shirley holds everyone to an extremely high standard,” said one crew member. “She’s passionate about ballroom authenticity — if she feels technique is being sacrificed for flair, she’ll say it, no matter who’s dancing.”