Strictly Come Dancing fans were left puzzled on Sunday night as they noticed a change in the results show format. The show returned for its Movie Week special, but viewers quickly took to social media to express their confusion over the altered structure of the results episode.
Usually, the results show begins with a group number performed by the professional dancers. However, to the surprise of many fans, this was missing at the start of the show. Twitter was flooded with comments from viewers voicing their disappointment and bewilderment at the deviation from the usual format.
One Twitter user questioned the decision, “They’re opening with the results first? Don’t they nearly go straight into a pro dance? #Strictly,” while another expressed frustration, “WHY DO THEY KEEP CHANGING THE FORMAT #scd.” The dissatisfaction continued as more fans shared their dislike for the new format, with one tweet stating, “I know they’re only small changes but I hate this new format #strictly.”
The absence of the opening performance raised further queries among viewers, with one person tweeting, “Why have we stopped starting with a group number, I’m so confused #strictly,” and another adding, “I don’t like this new format of not opening with the group dance. Looking forward to the rom com dance #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.” The Mirror reported that disappointment persisted among fans, with one comment noting, “The Sunday opening dance is always the best. Where is it? #Strictly.”
Despite the change in format, the show continued with its movie-inspired routines, dazzling costumes, and celebrity performances. However, Sunday’s episode marked the second celebrity exit from the competition. DIY SOS star Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were set to perform the Charleston to Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2 but had to withdraw due to an injury.
This departure follows the exit of Olympian Tom Dean and his partner Nadiya Bychkova in the previous week. The fans’ confusion and disappointment over the altered results show format were palpable on social media, indicating a strong attachment to the traditional structure of the show. As the competition progresses, viewers will be eager to see how the format may continue to evolve.