Strictly Come Dancing is at the centre of a “script-fix” row.
BBC bosses are reportedly allowing scriptwriters to pen the ballroom show’s increasingly comments for the first time in a bid to attract younger views.
But TV sources say the move has not gone down well with the panel, as the judges apparently reckon the scripted lines are “cringey” and “over-produced”.
An insider said: “The judges feel that the comments they are being told to make feel over-produced.
“It has been raised and is beginning to cause a problem.”
One line that’s in the spotlight is the verdict Motsi Mabuse, 43, gave boybander JB Gill, 37, and his 34-year-old pro partner Amy Dowden dance in week three of this year’s show.
She said: “Both of you are like a box of chocolates getting sweeter every week with every dance.”
Viewers have also noticed that the usually catty judge Craig Revel Horwood, 59, has been far less critical this series with his verdicts on contestants’ efforts.
Viewers have also been slating the show online for including “sob stories” about contestants and moments where they have dedicated
Accusations over Strictly scripting its judges’ remarks came ahead of Shayne Ward becoming the seventh celebrity to be booted off this year’s Strictly.
The former X Factor winner, 40, and his professional dance partner partner Nancy Xu, 33, were shown the door after becoming bookies’ favourites to be the next pair to leave the show.
They left after tonight's dance off against Wynne Evans, 52, and his 35-year-old pro Katya Jones.
Both couples performed their routines again in the face-off – with Shayne and Nancy rolling out a Rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper and opera singing Wynne and Katya doing an American Smooth to Grace Kelly by MIKA.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 64, had the deciding vote over who to keep – and went for Wynne and Katya.
Shayne said about his time with Nancy: “I’m proud that I made it to eight weeks as a novice dancer. A massive thank you goes to this incredible human right next to me, who has put so much fire in me and made me believe that I can actually achieve more if I let myself go.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out to the end, but I’m super proud that I got to meet you and dance with you, so thank you.”
Eight remaining couples will take to the dancefloor next week when returns on Saturday 16 November live for an evening from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The Daily Star has asked the BBC for comment over the script claims.
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