Strictly Come Dancing has been a huge hit among fans since it first waltzed onto our screens in 2004. The One hit show made its annual return this year for an epic 20th series, and fans haven’t missed a beat, eagerly tuning in by the millions each weekend to watch celebrity contestants impress the judges with their moves.
Despite the show’s popularity, it seems as though the series has been hit with a number of controversies, from bullying allegations and romantic entanglements.
The shocking moments have not gone unnoticed by loyal Strictly fans and in some cases they have wasted no time sharing their complaints to watchdog regulators Ofcom.
Here is a list of five most complained about moments that have diefinitely ruffled a few feathers.
1. Steve Allen ‘chubby’ remark
LBC radio presenter Steve Allen previously found himself in hot water, accumulating over 800 complaints when he referred to 2021 contestant Tilly Ramsay as a “chubby little thing” on his show. According to The Daily Record, he received a staggering 840 complaints to Ofcom and is reported to have privately apologised to Tilly, who is the daughter of renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.
A drag performance previously attracted more than 100 complaints (Image: BBC)
2. Robbie Savage’s ‘crotch’ stunt
Next on the list is Robbie Savage’s notorious crotch stunt, which received 325 Ofcom complaints. The former footballer, who was paired with Ola Jordan, sparked controversy while performing to Michael Jackson’s hit ‘Bad’. He made headlines when he jumped onto the judges’ desk, gyrated and then performed a shocking crotch grab.
At the time, he addressed the moment and told Digital Spy: “I’ve had a bit of bad press this week. It’s really got me down because, you know, during my football career, people said some pretty nasty things about me. And I’ve just gone out there… If I offended anyone, I didn’t mean to. I just went out there to have fun, and surely that’s what it’s all about?”
3. Same-sex dance
In 2020, approximately 200 complaints were filed over a same-sex dance between Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe, according to OK! An additional 100 complaints were lodged when the show announced Katya Jones and Nicola Adams would be dancing together in the same series. The complaints for that year’s series didn’t end there. A drag performance celebrating Priscilla Queen of the Desert for Musicals Week attracted more than 100 complaints.
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Shirley Ballas appeared uneasy as Bruno Tonioli ‘grabbed’ her breasts in 2017 (Image: BBC)
4. Voting mishap
In 2008, a voting mishap during the semi-final left viewers frustrated. The show concluded with Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon at the top of the leaderboard in a tie, making the votes for Tom Chambers, who was in third place, redundant. This incident led to nearly 200 Ofcom complaints.
5. Bruno breast ‘grab’
Finally there was one time that judge Shirley Ballas appeared uneasy as Bruno Tonioli ‘grabbed’ her breasts in 2017. The incident, which caught many off guard, resulted in 20 Ofcom complaints.
A television insider told The Mirror: “The has now received formal complaints and will be officially looking into them to decide whether Bruno’s behaviour was acceptable. He obviously thought it was light-hearted fun, but you could tell Tess was shocked by her reaction. She looked completely aghast.”
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