Strictly viewers complain seconds into 2023 final over opening to show

16 December 2023 , 19:24

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Strictly Come Dancing viewers were not all that impressed as the 2023 live final kicked off on BBC One.

Viewers were quick to call out a decision about the opening of the live finale on Saturday night, saying it was "not needed". Fans begged for a stop to the moment, as they called for the show to get on with the dancing.

Layton Williams, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach battled it out for the Glitterball Trophy alongside their pro dance partners. Layton and his pro dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, Ellie and her pro Vito Coppola and Bobby and his pro Dianne Buswell performed their final routines of the series, hoping to impress the judges and the viewers watching at home.

But ahead of the show kicking off, fans all had similar complaints about how the episode began. Each of the finalists were shown walking around the studio before greeting their pro dancers, and performing a short dance.

Each contestant revealed what their time on Strictly had meant to them and how excited they were for the final. But fans were not all that impressed, not wanting to see the "dramatic" content.

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Strictly Come Dancing viewers were not all that impressed as the 2023 live final kicked off (BBC)

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers began calling for the montage to be scrapped in favour of more dancing. One fan said: "Not the dramatic vts oh god," as another said: "X factor style, over produced opening vts are not needed."

A third viewer added: "Don’t need all the moody VTs with the emotional music on the background. Heard it all before. Get on with the dancing!"

Later in the show, Ellie stormed to victory as she won the series and made history while doing so. The star and her pro partner Vito cheered as they were crowned this year's winners by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Ellie was lost for words as her name was shouted out, while Vito sobbed as he praised his co-star. Ellie's victory saw her become the youngest winner of the series since it began making show history.

There were tears and cast members were jumping for joy, as the result came in. The usual celebrations were in full swing, as Ellie and Vito lifted the trophy high before being hugged by their co-stars.

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 viewers tuning into the live final on Saturday evening were left unimpressed (BBC)

Speaking about her win, a lost for words Ellie said: "I actually, genuinely cannot believe this," as a sobbing Vito said: "Don't talk to me." An amused Ellie said: "This is the first time I have seen him cry, for once you're crying more than me so this is for you, this is for you."

Vito added: "I mean this is the cherry on the cake… the point of the iceberg, you have been so amazing you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are the diamond shining... you are amazing I am so proud."

Viewers raced to social media to praise the pair, glad they won. One fan commented: "I picked Ellie from the start. Well deserved winner." Another said: "Definitely the right winner."

A third added: "Ellie and Vito strictly winners I’m so happy right now." A fourth viewer wrote: "GET IN! The right winners by far," as a fifth said: "So glad Ellie won."

Strictly Come Dancing 2023's live final will air from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .