Shirley Ballas was once again accused of displaying a biased attitude towards certain professional dancers as the new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicked off on Saturday night.
In recent years, viewers have claimed Ms Ballas, 65, seems to be particularly critical of particular stars, namely Katya Jones and Nadiya Bychkova, and following Ms Jones’ highly-praised routine alongside actor Lewis Cope, the same claims from fans flew in.
The pair performed a lively jive, with Mr Cope, 30, applauded by both the judging panel and fans watching from home.
Most of the judges had only positive things to say about the energetic performance, but Ms Ballas, who has faced social media trolling in the last couple of years during the show thanks to accusations of being unfair, was more critical, specifically of Ms Jones’ choreography.
BBC Strictly: Shirley Ballas delivered a critical verdict at Lewis and Katya
|BBC
After commenting on the fast-paced and action-packed routine, host Tess Daly kicked off the judging comments by asking Craig Revel Horwood: “Did you get a good view of that jive, Craig?”
Mr Revel Horwood is typically the strict judge with plenty to say, but he simply smiled as he commented: “Very good."
"Oh, just the one line that's all we need, no criticism,” Ms Daly replied.
A stunned Motsi Mabuse was next as she agreed: “Yes, very good. Very courageous, starting right in the front. We could look at every single movement you are doing.”
As the audience reacted to the remark following the show-all routine, Ms Motsi clarified: “Guys, I’m speaking about the dancing here!”
She continued: “And then you went down the stairs, and this energy, like dynamite. You attacked that dance.
“I absolutely adored it. I would love that you cleaned it up a little bit because the arms were a little bit going all over the place, so we need to clean it up at the end.
“There was a tiny little mistake, I saw that. But I mean, we are starting at levels."
BBC Strictly: Katya and Lewis still achieved an impressive Week One score
|BBC
Next came Ms Ballas, who began: “You show true athleticism, and that's good, but for me, it was overloaded with choreography.”
Seeming to aim her critique at Ms Jones, 36, she went on: “Sometimes less is more.
“And I don't think you need all the highlights and tricks, because I actually believe that you could be a fantastic dancer.
“When you have the right and left and right then you do your pivot section, there was no rotation in the body whatsoever.
“The footwork got lost, but the entertainment was A-star, so you have to find somewhere the balance with the quality, and I think you're capable of both. But that was still a good performance."
An impressed Anton Du Beke then added: “Well, right, OK, I see what's happening here.
“This is excellent. Your energy is - never lose that. But with the energy, you must have control. You've got it all going on.
“It's all fabulous. You're going to be marvelous in this series, I can feel it. But the legs are... There's a lot of stuff going on with the legs.
“So you need to contain the whole thing, and then you'll get more out of it but I mean, wow, what a start.”
BBC Strictly: Shirley Ballas was accused of displaying a 'grudge' towards Katya Jones
|BBC
Despite her critical analysis, Ms Ballas went on to award the pair a score of seven, matching the other judges.
However, social media was awash with accusations of Ms Ballas showing disdain towards Ms Jones.
One X comment read: "Shirley still has her grudge towards Katya and Nadia, same old same old. #Strictly."
"Shirley is only saying this because she hates Katya wtfff #Strictly," another complained.
Someone else shared: "I'm sorry, overloaded with choreography? Oh Shirley, have a day off. #Strictly."
BBC Strictly: Lewis Cope and Katya Jones performed a jive
|BBC
"Shirley picking at the choreo when there’s been dances with not enough of the actual dance #strictly," another echoed.
Someone else wrote: "Shirley Ballas critiquing the jive she needs to lighten up #Strictly," while another penned: "My gosh, Shirley, it’s week 1! Seriously, chill! #Strictly."
On the other hand, several supported her remarks. One fan noted: "I agree with Shirley, Katya had too much content in that dance. Less is more especially with all the dance experience he has. #Strictly."
"Shirley actually giving Lewis criticism and not falling into the 'I love the celebrity male curse' is my shock of the year #strictly," one more posted. (sic)