Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has sparked controversy after suggesting pregnant professional dancer Dianne Buswell and her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis need to increase their practice time following Saturday night’s error-laden performance.

The 66-year-old Neighbours actor, who is this series’s oldest competitor, had performed a Cha Cha to Give It Up by KC and The Sunshine Band, earning just 17 points from the judging panel.

Ms Mabuse praised the duo’s partnership and energy, describing them as “like sunshine when you pair up together” before addressing what she called “the elephant in the room”.

She highlighted numerous small errors throughout the routine, prompting boos from the studio audience.

“There were guys, sorry, let’s just be honest,” Ms Mabuse told the crowd. “Just let’s try next time to rehearse and stick to the routine.”

The 36-year-old Australian professional, who is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, immediately challenged the judge’s critique during the live broadcast. “I don’t know how much more we can rehearse, Motsi!” she responded.

When Ms Buswell protested about their rehearsal schedule, Ms Mabuse persisted: “Find a way, I don’t know, we have to get one performance without those tiny tiny creepers in there.”

Mr Dennis later revealed he had been “petrified” before taking to the dancefloor, acknowledging the routine had completely “stumped” him.

The reigning champion professional is the first dancer to compete whilst pregnant in the show’s history. She announced before the 2025 series launch that she and Mr Sugg, her 2018 celebrity partner, were expecting a baby boy.

BBC insiders previously confirmed that welfare protocols are in place for all participants, with sessions featuring regular breaks and rest periods. The rehearsals are reportedly tailored to accommodate both dancers’ needs.

The programme introduced stricter training limitations in 2023 following internal misconduct investigations. Couples are now restricted to 48 hours of practice weekly, equivalent to eight hours daily across six days, with mandatory chaperones present during all training sessions.

Social media users swiftly condemned the judge’s remarks. On X, one Strictly viewer hit out: “Such a horrible comment to make. That will make people think they haven’t put the time in.”

A second weighed in: “I thought Strictly capped the amount of hours they could rehearse to 8 hours a day? So how can the judges be giving out comments like ‘you need to rehearse more’ when they’ve been doing their 8 hours a day… every day. They aren’t allowed.”

Elsewhere, a third fumed: “Dianne was NOT happy with the ‘rehearse more’ comment and I’m glad because I nearly jumped out of my seat in anger lol #strictly.”

“I feel like telling the eldest contestant with the pregnant pro to rehearse more when they have been doing long days, and it’s clear it was because of nerves and not lack of rehearsal is an extremely unfair thing to say #Strictly,” a fourth added.

And a fifth echoed: “I’m so glad Dianne fired back at that rehearsal comment. What the hell else do they think they’ve been doing? What a bizarre criticism #strictly.”

A sixth also argued: “I’m sorry but it’s clear that Stefan and Dianne have been rehearsing all day, every day, all week…they can’t magic more time…such an uncalled for comment! #strictly.”

“Ouch Motsi. Rehearse! I think they did #Strictly,” a seventh concurred before another hit out: “‘Let’s try next time to rehearse’what the f*** does she think they’ve been doing all week? Motsi’s on a right one this week #Strictly.” (sic)

Ms Mabuse’s comments to Ms Buswell weren’t the only ones that landed her in hot water with the Strictly fandom.

The judge also faced criticism for a “harsh” and “ridiculous” comment to Karen Carney after the former Lioness revealed she had a health condition that affected her spine.

BBC Strictly: Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis during Week Two of the series

“I have this thing called Scheuermann’s,” Ms Carney told BBC viewers. “I’ve had it since I was a kid.

“It’s a curve in my spine. It’s really, really hard for me to open my back up. There’s just certain elements that I won’t be able to do as well as I’d like to, but Carlos has been really supportive, really encouraging.”

Despite the challenges posed by the condition, Ms Carney still performed her Tango, but during Ms Mabuse’s feedback, she made some questionable remarks.

Referring to Ms Carney’s health challenge, Ms Mabuse said to the former footballer: “It’s going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a specific posture that we need.”

The Strictly star left some viewers “disgusted” by suggesting they could “challenge” the condition, with others saying it was too “personal”.