The 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing burst onto screens with a dazzling display of talent on Saturday, September 27, as 15 celebrities took to the ballroom for their debut performances. From jaw-dropping routines to unexpected stumbles, the night was packed with excitement, setting the stage for a thrilling season. Leading the pack was former footballer Karen Carney, who wowed the judges with an impressive 31 points. At the other end of the leaderboard, TV presenter Ross King struggled, scraping together just 10 points. With no public vote this week, Saturday’s scores will carry over to next weekend, when one couple’s Strictly journey will come to an abrupt end.
Amid the glitz and glamour, one performance stole the spotlight for all the right reasons—and sparked a wave of fan outrage over what many called “massively underscored” judging. Stage and screen icon Alex Kingston, paired with beloved professional Johannes Radebe, delivered a breathtaking Waltz to Michael Bublé’s Cry Me a River. Their routine, dripping with emotion and theatrical flair, earned a modest 21 points, leaving fans stunned and convinced the couple deserved far better.
The judges’ scores told a surprising story: Craig Revel Horwood, known for his sharp critiques, awarded a mere four, while head judge Shirley Ballas gave a five. Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were slightly more generous, each offering a six. But for viewers at home, the numbers didn’t add up to the magic they witnessed on the dancefloor.
Social media erupted with praise for Alex and Johannes’ performance, with fans flocking to an Instagram reel shared by Kingston and the BBC to voice their admiration. “Alex and Jojo bringing immaculate vibes to the Strictly dance floor, loving all the drama, just gorgeous!” one fan raved. Another chimed in, “Just loved this!! So incredible for week one. The drama is everything and more fantastic choreo from Johannes.” The consensus was clear: the couple’s chemistry and Johannes’ masterful choreography created a spellbinding moment that deserved to shine.
Yet, it was the judges’ scores that sparked the most debate. “This felt massively underscored to see where she ended up on the leaderboard,” one viewer commented. “Was a great performance and it felt like marking shifted as the show went on.” Another fan speculated, “I think they suffered going early. Had they been a later couple in the show, I think their score would—and should—have been higher. They were amazing. I hope they go far!” Others echoed the sentiment, with one writing, “Loved this! I thought the scoring was a bit harsh though.”
Despite the judges’ lukewarm response, fans remain optimistic about Alex and Johannes’ future in the competition. “Ohhh they are going to go far,” one supporter predicted, while another declared, “Loved her! Think she’ll go a long way.” With their undeniable chemistry and Johannes’ flair for choreography, this dynamic duo is poised to make waves in the weeks to come.
As Strictly Come Dancing heads into its next round, all eyes will be on Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe to see if they can turn the judges’ scores around and prove their fans right. One thing’s for sure: their dramatic debut has already cemented them as a couple to watch in this star-studded season.