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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Gemma Jones

Strictly fans slam judging panel saying it is like 'musical chairs'

Fans of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing have said that the judging panel is like a game of 'musical chairs.'

This week we saw Craig Revel Horwood return to the judging panel but co-host Motsi Mabuse was now missing.

Craig appeared to be looking well on his return, after missing last week's show due to contracting the Covid-19 virus.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Motsi Mabuse will be missing from this weekend's live show

While Motsi doesn't actually have the virus, she was contacted by the NHS Track and Trace app and is having to isolate, meaning she has had to miss this week's show.

The star is fully vaccinated but travelled to Germany and can't head back to the UK due to government guidelines, which do not recognise the vaccines she received.

During the absences, guest judge Cynthia Erivo has stepped in to fill their shoes, and give the contestants a piece of her mind.

Cynthia is a 34-year-old multi-award-winning actress, who stars in musicals, having recently been cast as Elphaba in the movie adaptation of Wicked.

Fans couldn't help but comment on all of the recent changes with the judges, and took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Vee said: "If this pattern of musical chairs continues, the fabulous Cynthia Erivo will be in Shrilly's chair next week. Missing @MOTSI_MABUSE of course."

Zoe said: "I know I said I wished we could keep Cynthia as a judge every week, but I meant in CRAIG's place, not Motsi's! Dangit."

Sophie said: "Sad to be missing Motsi, delighted to see Cynthia again #strictly."

Ryan said: "Pleased that Craig is back but I'm sad that Motsi isn't here this week. #Strictly."

While Cynthia is only stepping in to cover for the absent judges, fans can't help but be impressed as she has learnt bits of British Sign Language (BSL).

The temporary judge uses what she has learnt to communicate with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis, and is the only judge to do so.

Viewers loved the gesture, and had nothing but praise for Cynthia.

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