Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas under fire for 'harsh' feedback to Lawrence Robb
Shirley only scored Lawrence a fourStrictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has been criticised for her feedback to Lawrence Robb on Saturday night.
Emmerdale actor Lawrence, 34, and his professional partner Jowita Przystał performed a Rumba to Back to Friends by Sombr during October 10’s show.
However, when it came to the judges’ feedback, Shirley, 66, didn’t hold back.
Shirley Ballas’ feedback to Lawrence Robb on Strictly Come Dancing
Speaking to the pair, Shirley said: “It wasn’t my cup of tea but I’m going to tell you the reasons why. I’m not a great lover when you stand and it’s all about the lady spinning and dropping. You did one basic in the middle and that basic was flat-footed.
“There was no toe ball to the heel. It didn’t have any foot pressure. It was just not my cup of tea as a Rumba.”
She added: “But I gave you an extra point for one nice line in there. I like Rumbas that move, I like men to be in control, I like a sense of the body and freedom and more steps for the man.”
When it came to the scoring, Shirley was booed as she gave Lawrence and Jowita a four out of 10.
Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse gave Lawrence and Jowita a five. Anton Du Beke gave them a six, bringing their total score to 20 out of a possible 40.
Shirley Ballas criticised for feedback and scoring on Strictly
Over on X, some viewers seemed to disagree with Shirley and slammed her feedback.
One person wrote: “Shirley could have been a bit gentler with Lawrence then, he’s just danced a Rumba for the first time in front of millions of people.”
Another said: “Could someone remind Shirley that Lawrence didn’t choreograph that dance…”
Someone else added: “I do think that Shirley was a bit harsh with Lawrence tonight tbh.”
Meanwhile, another fumed: “Shirley giving Lawrence a 4?? A FOUR???”
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However, others agreed with Shirley’s feedback and score. One person commented: “I give Lawrence and Jowita a 3. You overextended too much throughout and it looked like a caricature of a Rumba. You were always on bent leg, and your feet lacked grounding. But your characterisation was good. But for a Rumba, I’m with Shirley.”
One viewer added: “I liked Lawrence and Jowita’s performance to be fair… his breakthrough performance for me. I see what Shirley means though.”
