Strictly fans blast Shirley Ballas over 'disgusting' treatment of contestant - 'sack her!'

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left outraged on Saturday night after head judge Shirley Ballas dealt drag star La Voix a brutal score of just two points - claiming she "can't judge" the routine at all. The decision sparked fury online, with fans accusing Shirley of being "mean", "biased" and "toxic". La Voix and professional partner Alja Škorjanec performed a dramatic Cha Cha Cha packed with theatrical flair and facial expressions, but their footwork failed to land with the panel.

The pair slumped in disappointment as their score came in at 14 points, instantly placing them in dance-off danger. Speaking to presenter Claudia Winkleman after the performance, La Voix looked deflated and admitted: "That was terrible," and was visibly emotional as fellow contestants rushed over for a supportive group hug. But the real drama erupted at the judging desk.

Craig Revel Horwood, known for his cutting critiques, compared the routine to a trip to the dentist, telling them: "You go in smiling, then get prodded and drilled and you leave feeling numb."

His comments were met with loud boos from the studio audience before Craig softened slightly, adding: "But I can't help but love you."

It was Shirley's comments, however, that ignited fury among BBC fans. Delivering the lowest individual score of the night, she gave La Voix a two, saying bluntly: "I can't judge that at all." Her remarks were branded unnecessarily harsh by viewers, who flooded social media with complaints.

One fan wrote on X: "I know that wasn't a great dance from La Voix, but the collective gasp in our house when Shirley only gave a two!" Another thundered: "The way I gasped seeing Shirley give La Voix a two. Unheard of."

A third viewer raged: "Shirley will be playing the victim again tomorrow for all the abuse. Scoring La Voix a two was a dagger through the soul of someone already having a mare."

Angry fans also accused the head judge of double standards, pointing out that Stefan Dennis - who returned from illness after missing last week - received softer feedback despite a weaker technical performance.

One furious viewer posted: "Won't lie, La Voix's dance was not good, but the fact Shirley was more harsh on her when she actually tried, compared to Stefan who just walked about, does not sit right with me."

Another wrote: "Amazing how Shirley was kinder to Stefan Dennis than she was to La Voix. She doesn't even try to hide the bias any more. She's the only one making this show toxic and unwatchable - Shirley has to go."

Many rallied behind the drag star and have vowed to vote to save La Voix from elimination.

One supporter urged: "Vote for La Voix! She was set up with that awful outfit and theme. She and Alja have a lot more to give and are totally entertaining. Not to mention totally underscored by Shirley."