Strictly Come Dancing viewers think "meaningless" part of 2026 season should be 'axed'
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been discussing the brand-new hosting format for much of the 2026 season, but their attention turned to the actual dance routines during the second week of competition.
The long-running BBC series returned on Saturday (3 October) with Movie Week, the first time that all couples have been able to perform in a themed week. Furthermore, we got our first Couple's choice routine of the season.
John Nellis and Katya Jones took to the dance floor for a routine that was inspired by iconic 1997 blockbuster Titanic, with the dance itself incorporating several elements from Irish dancing.
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While John and Katya's routine drew a mixed response from both viewers and judges, fans of the series were more divided by how early a Couple's choice dance should be performed altogether.
"Sorry, but I cannot stand the people's choice dance. The only one that proved me wrong was Rose's spectacular performance, back in the day," wrote one fan on X, with another viewer saying that it was often a "free pass" into the next week.
"Time to axe Couple's Choice… someone could just stand for a minute and half and they'd give it a 7," opined one viewer, while another thought that the style of dance had become "meaningless" in the competition.
Another fan suggested that all pairs do a Couple's choice in the same week, noting: "I think couples choice should all be done in the same week? I feel like 9 times out of 10, they always get a better score for couples choice. Also, it's a bit early in the season isn’t it?"
John and Katya's routine was well received by judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, who both gave it seven points. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse weren't as keen, however, as they awarded four and five points respectively.
It wasn't the only bit of news involving John, with the content creator confirming in the pre-dance video that he was expecting a baby with his wife. He also paid tribute to his family, with co-host Johannes Radebe saying he was "moved to tears" by the YouTuber's words.
On the night itself, it was Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley who claimed top spot as they scored 31 for Godfather-inspired Waltz. Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington, meanwhile, weren't far behind on 30 points.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
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