Jump directly to the content

STRICTLY Come Dancing's judges have come under fire by viewers for 'overmarking' one of the contestants.

The first live show kicked off the competition on Saturday, and saw JLS's JB Gill reach the top of the scoreboard with Amy Dowden, with Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec in second place.

Wynne and Katya closed out the show with a salsa
6
Wynne and Katya closed out the show with a salsaCredit: BBC
The fun-loving high-energy routine was praised by judges
6
The fun-loving high-energy routine was praised by judgesCredit: PA
The four judges scored them 26 out of 40
6
The four judges scored them 26 out of 40Credit: BBC

However, fans are debating over the third place position – which is jointly held by Wynne Evans and Katya Jones, as well as Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe – believing one of them doesn't deserve the position.

Ending the night's festivities, GoCompare ad star Wynne danced a salsa to Help Yourself by Tom Jones in honour of his Welsh heritage.

The fun comedy routine saw him turned into an all-singing, all-dancing chef, with Wynne later ripping off his kitchen whites to reveal a glittery shirt.

Joining Tess Daly after the performance for the judges feedback, it was clear they left a good impression on the scorers.

READ MORE STRICTLY

Anton Du Beke declared: "Gorgeous. I mean, I think everybody realises I basically hate the samba. I think it's a stupid dance, but not when it's danced like that. I loved pairing, I think it's great. Just joyous."

Even the panel's resident 'Mr Nasty' Craig Revel Horwood said: "Well that actually did put a smile on my face, so thank you for that."

"Listen, my goodness, people do count on this floor, but I've never really heard them," admitted Motsi Mabuse. "I had to count with you, five, six.

"You did not miss a beat. I don't care. You can count like that all you want. I love the connection between you two.

"The entertainment combined with the technique, was really entertaining.";

Shirley Ballas rounded off the comments, before declaring: "It's been a spectacular evening, and you closing the evening has just made our day."

Huge Gavin and Stacey star appears in Strictly audience as they reveal surprise friendship to contestant

The pair ended with an impressive 26/40 score as a result, with Wynne being cheered on by pal, Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page.

But fans were left debating whether or not they actually deserved such high marks in comparison to Montell and Johannes, who wowed with a foxtrot to Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby? by Dinah Washington.

"Wynne was overmarked he wasn’t better than Sam or Shane. Shane and Pete undermarked," one wrote on X.

"Wynne was way overmarked. Just stop," said another.

Strictly 2024 Week One Scoreboard

Here's how the first week scoreboard looked:

  1. JB and Amy = 31
  2. Tasha and Aljaz = 30
  3. Wynne and Katya = 26
  4. Montell and Johannes = 26
  5. Sarah and Vito = 30 
  6. Shayne and Nancy = 23
  7. Jamie and Michelle = 23
  8. Chris and Dianne = 23 
  9. Sam and Nikita = 21
  10. Tom and Nadiya = 18
  11. Nick and Luba = 18
  12. Dr Punam and Gorka = 19
  13. Pete and Jowita = 17
  14. Paul and Karen = 17
  15. Toyah and Neil = 12

While a third predicted the series run, and said: "Montell will be consistently good but fail in the public vote, Jamie will have a tough ride and fall in the semi, Shayne will be undermarked and leave mid-way while Wynne will be over-marked and last too long."

However, others defended the star, enjoying the upbeat routine.

"Wynne is trying to give Chris a run for his comedic money, this series is the most fun yet!" wrote one.

"Wynne is lovely and another one much better than I expected. Lots of good surprises tonight. Can't wait for next week already but I don't want anyone to leave yet!," said another.

No one went home this week, with the scores now rolling over onto next week's scoreboard.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

After the next routines, the vote lines will open and fans will have the opportunity to save their favourites.

Next Sunday will see the first dreaded dance-off, and the first elimination.

The pair danced to Help Yourself by Tom Jones
6
The pair danced to Help Yourself by Tom JonesCredit: BBC
Wynne and Katya were praised for 'putting a smile on the faces of the judges'
6
Wynne and Katya were praised for 'putting a smile on the faces of the judges'Credit: PA
Wynne is going for the glitterball with his routine
6
Wynne is going for the glitterball with his routineCredit: PA
Topics