Strictly fans outraged as show reveals major change to semi-final schedule
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were outraged this evening when it was revealed next week's semi-final shows will play out on Sunday and Monday nights.
The Fifa World Cup in Qatar has disrupted telly schedules on the BBC and ITV this winter, with many popular shows having to adapt to accommodate the football.
But the biggest change to the Strictly schedule yet was too much for fans to take when it was announced by the official Instagram account.
One viewer said: "What fresh hell is this?!"
Another posted: "This is ridiculous. Use one of the other BBC channels. No one wants to watch strictly on a work/school night."
A third wrote: "Nooooooo stop bloody changing it ffs 🤦🏼♀️ I like my Saturday Strictly nights."
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Tonight's quarter-final result show was a day earlier than usual and at a different time to make way for round of 16 games.
Viewers thought the right person was eliminated as Kym Marsh became the tenth celebrity to leave the ballroom.
The former Coronation Street actress, 43, was given a bye last week after falling ill with Covid, but despite being back to full health, Kym and pro partner Graziano di Prima were sent home after a dance-off with Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
CBBC star Molly performed a Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago, while Kym performed a Cha Cha to Fame from the musical Fame.
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The judges voted three to one in favour of saving Molly, with Anton du Beke the sole Kym supporter.
For the most part, viewers thought the decision was the correct one.
One fan wrote: "I am happy with that decision. Weakest of the night."
Another posted: "Right person went for me this week. Love Kym but I think she was the weakest dancer."
A third said: "Right result, the competition was so good tonight, unfortunately Kym was the weakest."
Craig Revel Horwood said: “It’s always so difficult at this point of the competition, because both couples danced brilliantly, I don’t want to see either couple go. I am really splitting hairs, but the couple I want to save, based just on the best dance tonight for me is Molly and Carlos.”
Motsi Mabuse told the couples: “First of all, I want to say to both of you, that you can be so so proud of yourselves. You’ve both been so great and amazing. I’m going to base my decision on this dance off and I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.”
Anton said: “As you’d expect at this time of the competition, the quality of the dance off was incredible, I thought both couples danced brilliantly, but I felt one couple raised their game with a
freedom which they didn’t have on Friday night, and because of that I am going to save Kym and Graziano.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas decided the result and said: “Well first of all huge congratulations to both couples. Both couples danced exquisitely, it’s been a very difficult decision to make. But based on this dance and this dance alone, I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.”
Kym only had positives to say in her exit chat with host Tess Daly.
Having overcome a series of health challenges through the series, she said: “Honestly I’ve loved every single second that I’ve been here. I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years.
"I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever. But what a journey it’s been, this show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be. Everybody, the crew, the celebs, the pros, costume, make up, everyone is amazing. I’ve had the best time, so thank you.”
On the support from her family, Kym said “My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going. When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.”
Italian stallion Graziano returned the compliments, saying: “I will be part of your family forever, I think we became friends from the very first day. I know you’ve learnt how to dance, but I have learnt
so much from you, you are a warrior. You’re going to be in my heart forever, we’re going to be together many times, because I know I have found a friend for life.”
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Tonight’s results show opened with a dazzling routine from the Strictly professional dancers in an energetic number from Guys and Dolls. Plus The Cher Show performed a medley of hits.
The remaining five couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the semi final when Strictly Come Dancing will air live on Sunday 10th December at 7.15pm, with the results show on Monday 11th December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
