Strictly Come Dancing viewers fume over major change to series

Strictly Come Dancing made its eagerly awaited comeback with series 23, but viewers were left unimpressed by one major change. The first live episode of 2025 saw hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to introducing the fresh horde of celebrity contestants competing for a spot in the final.

Meanwhile, judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke took to their judging panel after impressing millions with their own performance. However, as they prepared to critique the star-studded line of dancers, Claudia announced a major change to how viewers can get involved. She revealed that from now on, fans have to make their votes online, despite years of phone votes.

Although the first episode is elimination-free, she seemingly warned that the change would take place during next week's episode. Many took to social media with fury as one raged: "Why would the BBC only allow voting online? What's the reason for the change?"

Another echoed: "Voting is now online-only? Way to alienate and exclude a good chunk of your audience, Strictly... #strictly."

A third added: "Some people can't access the Internet, which means if you lose internet, its a case of 'tough luck, no voting for you.'"

Meanwhile, a fourth suggested: "They have to pay for phone line voting. Online much cheaper."

This comes after Strictly hosts Claudia and Tess Daly took a moment to pay a touching tribute to Dani Dyer, who was forced to step down from the show just days after making her debut in the pre-recorded launch show.

Tess shared: "Now, before we get started, earlier this week, Dani Dyer had to withdraw from the competition on medical advice after sustaining an injury in training."

Claudia continued: "Dani, we will miss you so much, and all of us are sending you all our love."

On Tuesday (September 23), the 29-year-old was forced to step back from the competition after suffering a major ankle injury during rehearsals.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dani discussed her departure in depth and revealed that she was heartbroken by the doctor's verdict.

She wrote: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend. After an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

"Apparently, doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable, and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I've had to pull out of the show."