Strictly Come Dancing finalist Sarah Hadland has taken aim at the show’s judges, saying their views are ‘often irrelevant’ when it comes to the fans’ opinions

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Sarah Hadland and professional dance partner Vito Coppola (Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Sarah Hadland has claimed that the opinions of the show’s judges are ‘often irrelevant’ when it comes to the voting public. The 53 year old actress, known for her role in Miranda, has made it to the final four contestants alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola.

In an interview with Yours magazine, Sarah suggested that the views of the four Strictly judges – Craig Revel Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, Shirley Ballas, 64, and Anton du Beke, 58 – are often disregarded by the audience. She said: “If I was not in the show, I’d be with my multiple WhatsApp groups, and there’d be a lot of discussion.

“It would be quite divisive. It’s never straightforward, and I know that what the judges think is often irrelevant when it comes to the fans.”

Sarah will be competing against comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, and model Tasha Ghouri for the coveted glitterball trophy.

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Vito Coppola (left) and Sarah Hadland attend the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. Picture date: Monday October 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Pride. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire (Image: PA)

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She also praised her partner Vito, saying she felt lucky to have been paired with him. She recalled a moment when Vito brought her homegrown tomatoes for lunch, saying: “I’ve lucked out. One day, he brought homegrown tomatoes in for lunch – I don’t know where he sourced them from – and he was like: ‘Have a homegrown tomato.

“‘It will lift your spirits because it’s the food of sunshine.’ I’m like, ‘how great is this?'”

Sarah expressed how the rigorous Strictly training differs vastly from her usual fitness routine.

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For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, during their appearance on the live show of Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing show on BBC1. Picture date: Saturday November 23, 2024. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. (Image: PA)

She confessed: “I do gym workouts and I do like running – I used to run the London Marathon – but this is completely different. You’re constantly really focused, but you’re also trying to relax and remember everything at the same time.

“Obviously the dance is only a minute and a half, so you have a burst of energy but if you were running or doing a workout, you’d be huffing and puffing,” reports Wales Online.

The remarks come alongside a unified message from the duo in anticipation of the final show. Vito took to Instagram with their words: “We are working hard to create our show dance and we do really hope you will enjoy it and that you will be proud of us. We will give our maximum. Thank you for believing and supporting us beautiful people. Super grateful. From ITT #teamtiramisu Trilly and Vito.”