Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left fuming at the judges after comparing the scores of Chris McCausland and Pete Wicks in the semi-final.

Strictly Come Dancing fans rallied around Chris McCausland following a decision by the judges that they found ‘offensive’ during the semi-final. The comedian, alongside his dance partner Dianne Buswell, was in the running as one of the five duos striving for victory in the penultimate instalment of the BBC One competition on Saturday night (December 7).

Their quest for a place in the eagerly anticipated Strictly final commenced with a Charleston to When You’re Smiling by The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn, which secured them 33 points from the judging panel. Their second routine of the night, an elegant Viennese waltz performed to Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters, amassed 36 points and prompted tears from both Chris and Dianne upon completion.

Dianne, evidently moved, shared her conviction that Chris has more than earned his spot in the forthcoming final of Strictly’s milestone 20th series. She remarked poignantly: “I have taught Chris this whole time without a single visual cue.”

She continued: “He’s never been able to watch a dance back to see if he’s done a great job or to look at anything and go, ‘Maybe I can improve on that!'”

She concluded with a powerful tribute to his journey: “He’s never been able to see any of his competitors, see what the competition is like, he’s had none of that yet he’s seen this competition so well because he’s captured the spirit of this show.”

Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

Strictly Come Dancing’s Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell wowed audiences (Image: PA)

On social media, viewers had their say, pointing out concerns over Chris’s scoring compared to competitor Pete Wicks and his professional partner Jowita Przystal after their opening performances.

Shirley Ballas ignited debate by dubbing Pete ‘Mr Strictly’ – despite a dance background matching Chris – causing a stir, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

X was alight as one user insisted: “Chris only having 1 more point than pete is offensive #strictly.” (sic)

Chris and Dianne

Chris admitted he was ‘an emotional wreck’ after their second performance (Image: BBC)

Another demanded: “Please can we make sure Chris is Mr Strictly. Thanks. #Strictly.” (sic)

The scoring disparity sparked outrage, as another lamented: “Pete getting the same score as Chris is actually absurd… #Strictly.” (sic)

Chris and Dianne

Dianne said she was ‘so proud’ of Chris (Image: BBC)

And indignation continued, with a fan slamming: “Sorry but the scoring and judging is wild this week, Chris is miles ahead of Pete as a dancer but they’re scoring is the same… A nonsense #Strictly.” (sic)

A concerned spectator urged support, writing: “Worried for Chris this week… everyone please VOTE! ! ! #strictly.” (sic)