Debbie McGee has criticised the Couples’ Choice category on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 60-year-old star – who made it to the final of last year’s show with professional partner Giovanni Pernice – doesn’t think it’s fair that classic Latin and ballroom routines are being marked alongside the new routines, which are either Theatre and Jazz, Contemporary or Street Commercial.
However, Debbie doesn’t want to get rid of the new dances but she thinks it would be a better idea to have a special episode where each couple and their choices are pitted against one another.
Speaking on The Telegraph‘s Talking Strictly podcast, she said: “I think it’s good to introduce something new so that the programme changes, the pictures change.
“I totally agree that the programme is about Latin and Ballroom. But if they want to put something different in, my personal opinion would be well, why don’t they have a night where it’s all the Couples’ Choice?
“I think it would be fairer with the marking than marking against the Samba.”
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And former show professional James Jordan – who has insisted the new routines have “no place” on the programme – agreed with Debbie’s suggestion.
He said: “You’re comparing like for like then. Then you compare those dances against each other.”
After James criticised the new routines on Twitter, he revealed he had been inundated with messages of agreement.
He said: “A lot of people agreed with me that that sort of dance shouldn’t be on Strictly.
Joe
I like Joe and Diane but for me this dance has no place on Strictly
He did a good job but I can’t really comment on the technique
Not there fault but wasn’t for me#Strictly7— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) 24 November 2018
“You can’t please everyone. I’m not saying I’m always right, because I’m not always right.”
The upcoming Dancing On Ice contestant had criticised Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell’s hip-hop style performance over the weekend.
He posted: “I like Joe and Dianne but for me this dance has no place on Strictly.
“He did a good job but I can’t really comment on the technique.”
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Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. But we think this year’s series is great.
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