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.

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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
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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
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View gallery

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
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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


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And it wasn't just the celebrities who were not delighted by the news as they took to social media to share their disappointment

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