STRICTLY fans have been left furious after they noticed a massive show change during last night’s debut.
The BBC One show returned on Saturday night with a dazzling launch, but viewers were upset by the absence of a same-sex pairing this year.
Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their. disappointment.
One user wrote: “I really loved the launch show but I can’t help feeling sad about the lack of same sex pairings, even in the group dances.
“It really does feel like Strictly has taken a step backwards and I do feel uncomfortable about it.”
Whilst another added: “Shame they’ve gone all the way back to the status quo with no same-sex coupling this year.”
A third penned: “On the whole, the pairings are fine, but having no same-sex pairings (even if it was because of a drop out) and benching Kai and Carlos feels like the producers pouring fuel on the fire.”
Whilst a fourth wrote: “Massively disappointed by the lack of a a same sex couple in this year’s Strictly. Inclusion and representation is so important.”
Over the past four years, the show has featured at least one same-sex pairing each season.
Previous pairings included John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, Katya Jones and Nicola Adams, Giovanni Pernice and Richie Anderson, Nikita Kuzmin and Layton Williams, as well as Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer.
One season even featured two same-sex couples.
While some viewers criticised this year’s pairings, others applauded the strong chemistry between the couples.
Many viewers at home praised the chemistry between Pete and Jowita Przystał – with some even salaciously joking that they will be hit with the Strictly ‘curse’ this year.
Fans were also excited to see Chris McCausland preparing to take to the floor with Dianne Buswell.
However, there was one couple in particular that audience members predicted would walk away in winning place.
Taking to social media, many claimed Amy Dowden and JLS singer JB Gill will come out victorious.
It marked her dramatic comeback to the Strictly dance floor for the first time in a year after a battle with cancer took her out of the competition.
Viewers were left in tears as she fronted a big dance number with all the other pros.
