BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans hit out at judge for 'rude' comments to two stars

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have slammed judge Motsi Mabuse's remarks to contestant Karen Carney and Strictly pro Dianne Buswell that she gave them during Saturday (October 4) night's show.

Former professional footballer Karen, 38, opened up about how her health condition could affect her dancing during the second week of the popular BBC dancing show. Karen, who has been partnered up with Carlos Gu on the show, disclosed she has battled a spinal condition since childhood that will likely influence her performances. The Solihull native explained she lives with Scheuermann's disease, which causes the spine's vertebrae to develop into a curved shape.

Throughout Saturday evening's live broadcast on BBC One, Karen, who earned 20 points from the judging panel, shared: "I have this thing called Scheuermann's. I've had it since I was a kid, it's a curve in my spine.

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"It's really, really hard for me to open my back up. There are certain elements that I just won't be able to do as I'd love to, but Carlos is really supportive, really encouraging."

Following her candid revelation, judge Motsi Mabuse acknowledged Karen for speaking out, before adding: "It's going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it's a ballroom dance and there's a specific posture that we need.

"That being said, last week you were top of the leaderboard and there was a bit of ease in the way you attacked, this week I could feel the nerves."

Numerous viewers have since turned to social media platforms to condemn the judge's response.

One queried: "Did Motsi just suggest that Karen has to 'work' on her spine curvature?"

Meanwhile, another Strictly fan expressed her disappointment on X, writing: "Quite disgusted that Karen opened up about having a condition that causes a curved spine and Motsi's reaction was to say they should "challenge" it instead of accommodating it #Strictly #SCD".

Another added: "I thought the same. I have curvature of the spine. Love to know how Motsi thinks I could change it!"

However, despite this, another viewer thought Motsi's comment was being misunderstood, explaining: "I understood it as her saying they would be pushing it to see what she can do within her limits... she also thanked her for talking about it which I took as them being glad they were informed of an extra challenge that a contestant has."

Motsi's comments to Karen weren't the only ones that got her in hot water though. She was also heard encouraging Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis to 'rehearse' with his pregnant partner Dianne Buswell during their Saturday night performance.

The 66-year-old actor, who is this series's oldest competitor, performed a Cha Cha to Give It Up by KC and The Sunshine Band, earning just 17 points from the judging panel.

Motsi praised the duo's partnership and energy, saying they were "like sunshine when you pair up together", however she then addressed what she called "the elephant in the room".

The judge called numerous small errors throughout the routine, prompting boos from the audience in the studio.

"There were guys, sorry, let's just be honest," Motsi said to the crowd. "Just let's try next time to rehearse and stick to the routine."

Australian professional Dianne, 36, who is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, challenged the judge's critique during the live broadcast, saying: "I don't know how much more we can rehearse, Motsi!"

However, Motsi replied: "Find a way, I don't know, we have to get one performance without those tiny tiny creepers in there."

Stefan later revealed he had been "petrified" before hitting the dancefloor, acknowledging the routine had completely "stumped" him.

Venting online again, one viewer wrote: "I'm sorry but its clear that Stefan and Dianne have been rehearsing all day, every day, all week... they can't magic more time...such an uncalled for comment! #strictly"

Another added: "I thought Motsi was rude to both Karen and Dianne tonight. With the curved spine comment and the train more comments to Dianne. Not fair at all."

A representative of Motsi Mabuse and Strictly Come Dancing has been contacted for comment.