BBC Strictly sparks fury as bosses unveil 'train crash' change to show format ahead of finale: 'Going to be a MESS!'

The new segment arrives as the competition reaches its crucial stages, with partnerships preparing for this weekend's Blackpool special at the Tower Ballroom.

Those who progress through the iconic venue will encounter the all-new high-stakes test that has been teased to change everything when it comes to who lands where on the leaderboard.

During the segment, partnerships must draw a dance style they've previously performed from a random selection.

The accompanying music will play immediately, triggering a chaotic rush to the wardrobe department where contestants must locate and don appropriate attire.

Following this costume scramble, each partnership has just 10 seconds on a countdown timer to determine what choreography they're going to use.

The switch-up to the show's format is to test each couple's spontaneous creativity and partnership communication under intense pressure, requiring celebrities and professionals to rely purely on instinct and what they've learnt so far.

Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will evaluate all six impromptu performances before dishing out additional points based on their rankings.

The partnership delivering the most impressive spontaneous routine will receive six extra marks, whilst those placing lower will earn progressively fewer points, with the bottom-ranked couple receiving just one mark.

These scores get added to the standard performance totals, which promises to create major shifts in each couple's standings on that week's leaderboard.

Ms Ballas praised the format switch potential, stating: "Instant Dance has the power to change everything for our couples, and will challenge them in ways they have never been challenged before."

She added: "With standards so incredibly high this year and the competition so close, there's a lot resting on it.

"The dance styles, costumes, and music might not be revealed until the night, but what we can be sure of right now is that it's going to be a whole lot of fun. I cannot wait!"

However, it's safe to say the Strictly fandom isn't exactly holding the same optimism as the former head judge. "Absolute chaos. I would have preferred another dance-a-thon, or even team dances," one fan complained on the forum site, Reddit.

A second Redditor echoed: "I hate the sound of this. I thought I didn’t like the dance-a-thon, but after the announcement, I kind of miss it already. Sounds messy and only Amber (Davies) & Lewis (Cope) will nail it."

Instant Dance is happening on 29th November show
byu/RainbowRevolver instrictlycomedancing

Another hit out: "Once again benefitting those with previous dance experience. They will be able to pick things up much more quickly than normal. They are so desperate for Amber to win."

And a fourth similarly predicted: "Ugh they did this on [Dancing with the Stars] last year and it wasn’t a hit. Already predicting Amber and Lewis first and second and the rest will follow in any order depending on the style they get."

Another said it was going to be a "mess", while a sixth weighed in: "This isn’t going to cause conspiracy theories at all. Also it sounds like it’s going to be a hot mess." (sic)

However, there were some who welcomed the unique format shift, even if it threatens to be disorganised.

"This is going to be an absolute train crash and I can’t wait to see it," one Redditor argued, while a second echoed: "Kinda excited for this, saw some clips from dwts last year and it looked fun." (sic)

One person who definitely won't be taking part is Vicky Pattison. The Geordie Shore star and her pro partner Kai Widdrington became the latest couple booted from the show this past weekend.