Strictly fans slam show and claim fan favourite is being 'set up to fail'

With the fourth pair being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, this weekend marks the official return of Halloween Week. Over the years, we have seen numerous terrifying routines and ghoulish costumes, and now, fans have been given a glimpse into what to expect this year. However, some loyal BBC viewers have been left disgruntled over one pairing who have been given a routine to the soundtrack of Apple, by Charli xcx. George Clarke and his partner, Alexis Warr, are performing a Cha Cha routine to the iconic British song, but some fans think that the YouTuber is being "set up to fail" and have voiced their reactions online.

One person ranted: "Is strictly setting george up to fail? I love charlie xcx but a cha cha to apple is such an awful choice ?" Another also echoed: "Justice for George." [sic] A third also typed: "Stop doing George dirty!"

A fourth also fumed: "Another poppy TikTok song for George. Predictable at this point. Loosing interest in this show." Someone else said: "Can we stop giving George the 'young' choices, it's clear it's only for a certain audience appeal and not to actually give him good dances."

However, one person typed: "Go on George!!" Another also commented: "I don't know if I can get over the fact that we've got Charlie XCX and Beethoven in the same show like why isn't this being discussed more."

Another also praised the choice and said: "GEORGE AND ALEXIS GOT CHARLI XCX WE'RE SO BACK."

The celebrities taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing - including Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, 30, and 29-year-old West End star Amber Davies - are battling it out to win the coveted Glitterball trophy on December 20.

Amber had been flying high in Strictly as a late replacement for Dani Dyer, but she had a nasty shock over the weekend when she found herself in the bottom two alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

She ultimately beat the 53-year-old former professional footballer in the dance off after failing to win over viewers in the public vote.

Despite feeling relieved to survive another week in the BBC's Latin and Ballroom dance competition, Amber shared her true feelings following Jimmy's exit during Sunday (26.10.25) night's results show on Instagram - saying she felt like "absolute garbage".

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, 1 November on BBC One.