Strictly viewers accuse band of ‘massacring’ song during dance off

01 October 2023 , 21:03

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Strictly viewers accuse band of ‘massacring’ song during dance off

Strictly Come Dancing fans have slammed the show's band for "massacring" a song again.

Viewers on Sunday night's result show saw Nikita Kanda and Les Dennis fight to keep their spot in the dance competition. The two couples performed their routine once again, with Nikita and Gorka Márquez dancing the Charleston to Beyoncé's Single Ladies, just before Les and Nancy Xu danced the Samba to Rock The Boat by Hues Corporation.

However, some fans couldn't help but get distracted by the music during Nikita's performance. They had also complained during Saturday's show that Beyonce's hit song was "butchered" as it was sped up by the live band. Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - one viewer wrote: "Did they do the dirty on Nikita tho with the speed of the song - its RI-DIC-ULOUSLY fast - don't think even Beyonce could keep up with that!!" Another added: "Strictly singers absolutely ruining another song #Strictly."

Viewers slammed the music during Nikita's dance (PA)

Someone else commented: "Beyoncé should sue the band for what they’ve done to her song." A fourth said: "Christ we have to endure this massacre of the song again as well." While another viewer added: "I don't think the remix of the song is doing her any favours, irrespective of dancing ability. #strictly."

Despite some viewers slamming the track, Nikita managed to put the negativity behind her as she made it through to next week. It was a unanimous decision as all four judges chose to save Nikita and Gorka, meaning Les and Nancy had to leave the show. Revealing who he was saving, Craig Revel Horwood said: "The couple I would like to save and who I think danced the best on the night and was the most improved is Nikita and Gorka."

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While Motsi Mabuse added: "Both couples danced better in the dance-off. One couple was extremely better in the dance-off. I will save Nikita and Gorka." However, it was Anton Du Beke who had the final say, commenting: "I thought it was a competition of two couples on performance alone and who could really nail their performance. I think the couple who did the best job were Nikita and Gorka."

But head judge, Shirley Ballas confirmed she would have also sent Les and Nancy home. Reflecting on his exit, Les told host Tes Daly: "I've had the best time, this lady has been amazing, a great teacher, she's really put me through my paces," he commented about Nancy before saying to her: "I did as well as I could for you, I hope! That lot up there, I'm going to miss you so much." However, the former Family Fortunes host added: "I really appreciate and understand the judge's point of view."

Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday, October 7 at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Mia O'Hare