The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week dazzled audiences on Saturday night, but a controversial decision left fans fuming and questioning the very essence of the beloved BBC dance show. Hollywood and West End superstar Cynthia Erivo, 38, stepped into the spotlight as a guest mentor, guiding the celebrity contestants through their cinematic routines. However, her role—or lack thereof—sparked a fiery backlash on social media, with viewers branding her presence “pointless” and demanding answers from the show’s producers.
Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, returned to Strictly after a memorable stint as a guest judge in 2021, where she famously delivered feedback in British Sign Language to then-contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis. This time, the Wicked star was brought on to mentor couples for Movie Week, a fan-favorite episode featuring performances inspired by blockbuster films. The episode even kicked off with a breathtaking professional dance routine themed around Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second installment of the musical blockbuster set to hit cinemas on November 21, starring Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
But the excitement quickly turned to confusion when host Tess Daly revealed that Erivo would not be scoring the performances, only offering her “expert opinions.” Fans took to X in droves, expressing their frustration. One viewer raged, “What is the point of Cynthia being at the judges’ desk if she isn’t scoring? She could’ve been in the audience!” Another fumed, “Cynthia Erivo having to sit there like a lemon while the judges score because it’s only mild celebrity that’s entitled her to be there.” Others pointed out that her mentorship efforts—described by head judge Shirley Ballas as extensive—seemed wasted without a paddle to wield. “So according to Shirley, Cynthia has spent loads of time mentoring this week… but she hasn’t been given paddles,” one fan lamented.
The decision to sideline Erivo’s scoring power left many questioning the show’s direction. “Cynthia should’ve been allowed to score the dances,” one viewer argued. “It would’ve allowed the couples to gain extra points.” Another called it “weird” to have her sit among the judges without contributing to the leaderboard, while a third bluntly asked, “What is Cynthia actually doing there if she can’t vote?”
Despite the controversy, Movie Week delivered the high-energy performances Strictly fans crave. The night opened with a jaw-dropping Wicked-themed group dance by the professional dancers, choreographed by Jason Gilkison. Dressed as Elphaba and Prince Fiyero, the pros brought the emotional duet As Long As You’re Mine to life, setting the stage for a night of cinematic spectacle.
Leading the leaderboard was Coronation Street actor Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones, who ignited the ballroom with a fiery Paso Doble to The Plaza of Execution from The Mask of Zorro. Their performance earned a staggering 37 points, including the first 10 of the season from judge Motsi Mabuse. “It was spicy, powerful, and absolutely electric!” Motsi raved.
Hot on their heels were West End star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, whose “exquisite” routine scored an impressive 35 points. Amber, who faced criticism for her dance background, was over the moon, declaring that performing in front of her idol Cynthia Erivo made her “dreams come true.” However, fans were disappointed that Erivo didn’t perform a Wicked hit, especially with the film’s release just weeks away.
Other standout performances included:
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George Clarke and Alexis Warr, who bagged 31 points for their K-pop-inspired Couple’s Choice dance.
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Alex Kingston, channeling Meryl Streep’s iconic Miranda Priestley from The Devil Wears Prada 2 for a quickstep to Suddenly I See, earning 30 points.
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Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro from Gladiators) and Karen Hauer, whose sizzling shirtless salsa left Shirley Ballas blushing and scored 32 points. “You are extraordinary in every department,” Shirley gushed, praising his “million-dollar smile” and powerful lifts.
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley, who wowed with a James Bond-inspired Rumba to No Time to Die, earning 28 points.
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Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola, who sparkled in Barbie-inspired outfits for a samba that scored 27 points.
Even those lower on the leaderboard shone. Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova bounced back from last week’s dance-off with a Paso Doble to Sweet Child O’ Mine from Thor: Love and Thunder, scoring a personal best of 22 points. Ross King and Jowita Przystał earned 19 points for their improved Paso Doble, while Karen Carney and her partner delivered a dazzling Cha Cha Cha to She’s a Lady from Miss Congeniality for 25 points.
Fans were particularly vocal about the missed opportunity to showcase Wicked: For Good. With the film’s release looming, many expected Erivo to perform a song from the soundtrack or at least have a more active role in the judging process. “It’s such a wasted chance,” one fan tweeted. “Cynthia’s a superstar, and they’ve got her sitting there doing nothing!” The Wicked-themed professional dance was a highlight, with female dancers donning all-black Elphaba-inspired costumes and the men embodying Prince Fiyero, but it wasn’t enough to quell the fans’ disappointment.
The backlash over Erivo’s role has sparked a broader debate about the show’s decision-making. Fans have long cherished Strictly for its blend of celebrity charm, professional prowess, and competitive edge, but some worry that choices like this dilute its appeal. “If they’re going to bring in a Hollywood A-lister like Cynthia Erivo, let her judge properly or don’t bother,” one viewer wrote. “It feels like the show is losing its way.”
As Strictly Come Dancing continues its 2025 season, the question remains: was this a one-off misstep, or a sign of bigger cracks in the show’s foundation? With Movie Week delivering unforgettable performances, the talent on display is undeniable—but fans are demanding more clarity and purpose from the show’s creative choices. Will Strictly bounce back, or has this Hollywood-sized blunder left a lasting mark?