- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
- Not sure what to watch tonight? Discover our brand new TV GUIDE now!
Strictly Come Dancing has announced a major shake-up, revealing a major switch-up in their results show.
At the end of their first live show of the season, hosts Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly announced that head judge Shirley Ballas will no longer decide on who goes home when they are in the bottom two.
For the last seven years, Shirley has had to make the final call of choosing which couple in the bottom two should leave the competition when there is a tied vote after the dance off.
Instead of Shirley making the final call, a different judge each week will make the final call.
The new change will start from next week, which will see the first couple of the series be voted off.
The judge to make the decision for the first week was not revealed but the celebrity contestants expressed that they are worried by the change.
Strictly Come Dancing has announced a major shake-up, revealing a major switch-up in their results show
For the last seven years, Shirley has had to make the final call of choosing which couple in the bottom two should leave the competition when there is a tied vote after the dance off
'This changes everything!' exclaimed former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison.
Ross King added: 'I just can't believe it!'
'I was nervous, but this is another level,' EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal told the cameras.
Taking it one step further, YouTuber George Clarke laughed: 'Is it too late to run away?'
And it wasn't just the celebrities who were not delighted by the news as they took to social media to share their disappointment.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one penned: 'i think would've made more sense for it to be down to the public vote instead of a different judge each week but okay.'
'I was hoping it would be a 'public vote if the judges are tied' but nope.'
Instead of Shirley making the final call, a different judge each week will make the final call, a decision which made some of the celebrities nervous
And it wasn't just the celebrities who were not delighted by the news as they took to social media to share their disappointment
The first week of celebrity dances saw footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu top the leaderboard with a score of 31.
Karen and Carlos danced the jive to One Way or Another by New York new wave band Blondie as they dressed in glittery football kits.
Meanwhile, celebrity journalist Ross King and his professional partner Jowita Przystal landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 10.
Ross dressed up in silver glittery trousers as the pair braved a Hollywood-inspired Cha Cha Cha.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: 'I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.'
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: 'My hips don't lie.'
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: 'I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.'
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.'
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!'
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.'
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: 'I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.'
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: 'Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.'
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.'
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: 'It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream'.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class'.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: 'Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.'
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: 'I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!'
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: 'I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing.'
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: 'This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.'
