TV

Strictly star hits out over ‘marking up’ claims

But the Holby City star admits last week's score was unexpected

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There was plenty to be said about last week’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Not only were there some amazing performances, jaw- dropping outfits and everything we’ve come to expect from another instalment of Strictly, but there was a fair share of controversy too.

Not least the dancing of Holby City star Joe McFadden and his professional dance partner, Katya Jones.

The pair performed a Paso Doble to Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Joe put in an amazing performance, sporting a bolero jacket and shaved chest in a daring new look.

Read more: Secret romance for Strictly Come Dancing star?

Judge Shirley Ballas loved Joe’s performance and said: “I think that was the best male Paso Doble we’ve seen on Strictly so far.”

Shirley even went so far as to award Joe and Katya a 10, only the second couple to receive top marks this series after Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez managed the feat the week before.

Joe and Katya bagged 26 points from a possible 30 in the absence of judge Bruno Tonioli.

However, with Craig Revel- Horwood only dishing out a seven, viewers complained of a lack of consistency and over- marking.

Those complaints grew even louder when Alexandra and Gorka were only given overall marks of 23 for their samba to Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran in spite of a bravura performance.

Now, Joe has spoken out over the suggestions his score was too high, and he’s not happy about it either.
“I didn’t know that, that’s bad news,” he said after being told of the viewers’ complaints.

“When Katya and I looked back at the tape, we saw there was room for improvement. We hadn’t expected a 10. Our minds were blown.”

Read more: Joe McFadden reveals top tip Ed Balls gave him to survive Strictly

Still, no- one can take that 10 away, and, speaking of blowing minds, we can’t wait to see what Joe and Katya come up with for tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing Halloween episode.

The pair will be dancing the Foxtrot to Trouble by Coldplay, and there are rumours that Joe will be dressed as a spider.

We’d love to see that, and even if he only gets a point for each leg, he’ll be doing pretty well!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor