Strictly Come Dancing slammed by EastEnders star for ‘chaotic and unfair’ shake-up

By Matt Jackson, Content Editor

Strictly stars took part in the Samba-thon this weekend (Image: PA Wire)

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy branded Strictly Come Dancing’s Samba-Thon as “chaotic” and "a bit unfair”.

The hit BBC show saw every contestant taking to the dance floor in a fresh challenge. The Dance-A-Thon feature launched in 2009 and was last performed during series 16 in 2018.

A staple of ballroom and latin competitions across the world, it sees couples shimmying onto the dancefloor and getting eliminated one by one until the winner is crowned. JLS star JB Gill was eventually crowned the 2024 Samba-Thon winner on Saturday.

The shake-up has proven controversial, and EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy questioned how eagle-eyed the judges can be when watching the routine.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy says the Samba-thon is "unfair" (Image: Getty)

Speaking on her Off The Telly podcast with Joanna Page, she said: “I find it all a little bit chaotic, and I find it a bit unfair. I know they’re all looking out onto the floor but, are you really looking at everyone?

“They have done some sort of thon before. It’s just for points really, and it just bumps up the points. So, whoever goes first gets the lowest amount of points, and whoever stays on gets more. Spicing things up a bit aren’t they?”

Joanna was also unimpressed by the change. She said: “I don’t like that. I don’t like any form of change, just stick to what you’ve been doing for all the last few years - I don’t like change.”

When discussing who they would tip for the famous Glitterball Trophy, Joanne says she is supporting The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, because he is “cute and sweet”. Natalie meanwhile says she is backing comedian Chris McCausland.

Celebrities on Strictly took part in a Dance-a-Thon for the first time in six years (Image: PA Wire)

The Samba-thon on Saturday’s Strictly saw JLS star JB picking up an additional seven points while former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri added six points onto her total score. Meanwhile comedian Chris McCausland finished bottom, adding a single point to his score.

Fans have been quick to complain about the Samba-thon, pointing out that its erratic nature put Chris - the show's first blind contestant - and professional partner Dianne Buswell at a disadvantage.

On social media, Chris however wrote: "I was very proud of our dance on Saturday, and as for the Sambathon…. Well thank you everybody for your votes, you really did help save us from double Latin! Lots of love and thanks to you all!"

Strictly Come Dancing will return at 7.05pm on BBC One this Saturday (November 30).