BBC Strictly fans distracted during 'nightmare' episode over heated clash of 'rude' judges: 'Ruining it!'

Dance experts Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood particularly butted heads over sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey's dance with partner Karen Hauer.

The pair performed an Argentine Tango to Caught Up by Usher, and it prompted some mixed opinions from the judging panel.

"Let's hope Craig loved it," host Tess Daly commented after congratulating the couple for the routine.

"I didn't, as a matter of fact," Mr Revel Horwood admitted.

Despite the typical groans from the audience, the dancing professional continued: "I thought it and just standing, pacing, standing, pacing, and not actually dancing from step to step.

"And I wasn't entirely fond of throwing all the groove stuff in there as well."

The famously "strict" judge continued: "I mean, you are very focused. I love your energy, but sometimes your energy can go against you.

"In this, it's much more relaxed dance. I felt like you were really just hammering it, and that sort of ruined it for me. I'm afraid, sorry."

Throughout his commentary, Ms Ballas could be heard muttering: "I agree".

"I do not agree," Motsi Mabuse stated calmly before adding: "But, it's ok. We do not have to agree. I mean, life is life, right?"

On the performance, she continued: "Listen, I know you have energy. I know you could have thrown her out of this door, but you didn't. You had control. You had control of the music, you had controlled connection.

"And I just want to say something. It really takes a lot of courage to say, 'I'm going to be in the background. I'm going to be a strong partner and let your partner shine.'

"The demureness you had, the suave - you were always in control.

"And then there was one minute here where you took time to stand up and breathe and go, 'I've got this.'

"And for me, that shows your growth, and your connection you as a couple.

Ms Ballas was asked to share her verdict next, with the judge admitting: "Well, I disagree with Motsi, you see, because, I think it lacked breath."

As the audience booed her opening remark, a thunderous Ms Mabuse fumed: "Can I speak? Can you let me speak, and then you can understand why?"

She added: "What I liked about it, first of all was that you're in total control of putting your lady where she needed to be. I applaud you for that.

"But in between, you mustn't forget yourself. And this is, you know, an Argentine Tango.

"And it got a little mixed for me between a little bit of a bump and grind and for an Argentine Tango -"

"It's Usher!" Ms Mabuse cut in playfully, to which Ms Ballas hit back: "Hold on!"

Placing a hand towards her fellow judge, she repeated: "Hold on," prompting Ms Mabuse to joke: "I'm holding on, Miss Shirley, I'm holding on."

The 65-year-old continued to fume throughout the evening when the audience expressed any disagreement, prompting complaints online from fans, who were also disgruntled by what they deemed "all over the place" judging from the panel.

"Shirley is actually so grumpy she is ruining the episode #Strictly," one shared on X.

"She needs to go, not Tess and Claude #Strictly," a second commented.

"Shirley has narcissistic traits she hates criticism. The crowd boos her she gets the hump. If one of the other judges says she is wrong she gets the hump. She really is the worse judge. #Strictly," another vented.

Someone else echoed this, writing: "Shirley really doesn’t like people booing her. Craig just ignores it, she gets defensive #strictly."

Another asked: "What is up with Shirley tonight? So rude #Strictly," while another noted: "#Strictly Judges scores are all over the place tonight."

"Judges have had an absolute nightmare tonight, don’t get me wrong I’m not their biggest fans any week but this week they’ve been astonishingly poor #Strictly," another fumed.

One more penned: "#Strictly I think the marking was a bit strange this evening. The judges clearly have their favourites, and it shows in their marking." (sic)