Strictly's most  complained  about moments  ever

Strictly's most  complained  about moments  ever

Now in its 21st series, hundreds of Strictly fans have called up Ofcom to complain about untoward moments over the years. Here are the moments that riled up viewers the most.

In 2020, Strictly was hit with more than 100 complaints over an opening performance featuring three male dancers in drag. The broadcaster defended the routine for being "inclusive".

Shirley Ballas certainly looked uncomfortable when Bruno Tonioli appeared to grab her breasts in 2017. A TV source said: "Bruno’s behaviour was obviously meant to be harmless but a number of viewers didn’t see it that way at all."

Robbie Savage started doing sexually provocative "crotch thrusts" in 2011, leaping onto the judges’ table and grabbing himself in front of Craig Revel Horwood. It sparked 325 complaints.

Fans fumed when Craig Horwood's judgement ruined Fleur East's perfect score, giving her a 9 - meaning she scored 39 out of 40. Amazingly, fans actually moaned to the TV watchdog.

In 2016, Strictly caused a huge stir when singer Anastacia, who was in the bottom two, was unable to perform in the dance-off. Melvin Odoom went home instead, sparking six complaints.

One of the worst controversies came in 2008, when a voting balls-up left the entire semi-final show essentially redundant. The disaster saw the BBC field almost 200 complaints.