BBC Strictly viewers call out judges for 'overmarking' on Halloween Night

Strictly Come Dancing fans have given mixed reviews on tonight's scores, with several criticising the judges for "overmarking" pairs on Halloween Night. During tonight's show (January 11, 2025), the long-running BBC series featured numerous terrifying themed routines and a very special first perfect score. The couple with the lowest numbers of the night were Harry and Karen Hauer, with Ellie Goldstein and Vito just above them. Meanwhile, at the other end, Lewis Cope and Katya Jones lead the pack with a perfect 40, with Karen Carney and Carlos Gu in second place. However, some viewers watching at home took to social media to furiously share that they thought the pairs were being "overmarked."

One person said on X: "#Strictly Lost interest in this tonight. The overmarking is crazy." A second also similarly said: "Ellie was overmarked by far#Strictly." A third also commented: "George strongly overmarked. #Strictly."

Another also said: "The over scoring is bonkers tonight. How can Amber have the same score as La Voix and Alex after that dance. Also the music is so dire. None of it matches the dances. #Strictly."

However, many agreed that the pairs deserved the scores that they got. One person said, "Can we all agree that Karen is back in the competition? This Argentine tango with Carlos was absolutely incredible. She definitely deserved the score she got." [sic]

Another said: "Great score from Amber and Nikita. They deserve it for the great dance." A third echoed: "La Voix’s best dance so far. That score was deserved."

Express Online has contacted the BBC for comment.

Last week, it was Amber Davies and Nikita who fought their way through the dreaded dance off and booked a spot in Halloween Week.

Amber and Nikita were the final pair to close Halloween Night. Dressed as Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, the pair performed a routine to I See Red by Everybody Loves An Outlaw.

Elsewhere, Karen and Carlos performed a routine to "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, which earned an impressive score of 38 from the judges.

La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec performed a thrilling routine set to the theme of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, accompanied by Beethoven’s 5th.

During Sunday's result show, there will also be a special performance from Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns.

Strictly Come Dancing resumes tomorrow evening on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.