EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy has called out Strictly Come Dancing's Samba-Thon as "chaotic" and "a bit unfair" casting doubt on the fairness of the intense dance challenge.
The hit BBC show saw every contestant taking to the dance floor in a fresh challenge. The Dance-A-Thon segment, which debuted in 2009 and last featured in series 16 back in 2018
The round is a familiar round in global ballroom and Latin competitions. It sees pairs dancing their way onto the floor, slowly getting picked off until only the triumphant couple remains, reports the Express.
JLS star JB Gill was eventually crowned the 2024 Samba-Thon winner on Saturday. The shake-up has proven controversial, and EastEnders star Natalie questioned how eagle-eyed the judges can be when watching the routine.
Discussing the event on her Off The Telly podcast with co-host Joanna Page, she remarked: "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 wasn't thrilled with the revamp either, expressing: "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 asked about their favourites for the coveted Glitterball Trophy, Joanna revealed she's rooting for The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, calling him "cute and sweet". Natalie, on the other hand, is throwing her support behind comedian Chris McCausland.
In the recent Samba-thon on Strictly, JLS's JB scooped an extra seven points, while former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri earned six additional points to her total. Chris, however, came in last, gaining just one point.
The Samba-thon has drawn criticism from viewers who felt its chaotic nature unfairly disadvantaged Chris - the show's first blind contestant - and his professional partner Dianne Buswell. Chris took to social media to express his feelings: "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 is set to return at 7.05pm on BBC One this coming Saturday (November 30).
