(Image: PA)
BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans demand Sarah Hadland 'justice' after judges' comments slammed in final
by Jessica Sansome · Manchester Evening NewsStrictly Come Dancing fans have demanded 'justice' for Sarah Hadland while a judges' comments to her during the grand final were also slammed.
The actress competed in the last week of the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series on Saturday night (December 14) alongside her professional dance partner Vito Coppola.
They made it to the final of Strictly''s 20th-anniversary series alongside JLS star JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec and comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.
Each couple were tasked with performing three routines in the two-and-a-half hour show - a routine chosen by the judges, their own favourite dance and finally a show dance - in a bid to be crowned this year's champions and lift the Glitterball trophy.
Miranda actress Sarah kicked off her bid to be crowned this year's winner alongside reigning champion Vito by performing by doing an American smooth to Proud by Heather Small.
Sarah, who along with her Miranda co-star Miranda Hart sang the song in the BBC comedy show, was praised by head judge Shirley Ballas for remembering “all the details” and improving the routine that she performed weeks ago. Craig Revel Horwood also praised the lifts as “spectacular” before they received a near-perfect 39 points.
Sarah and Vito later performed their Show Dance to Cabaret by Metropole Orkest, for which they were praised for the “risky, perilous lifts” by Craig Revel after their performance, which also featured high kicks. Their second dance earned the pair a score of 39 points from the judges.
(Image: PA)
They then finally got a perfect score from the judges when they recreated their Cha Cha to Like A Prayer from 'Icons Week' with Sarah channelling the iconic 'Queen of Pop' herself, Madonna.
But Strictly fans felt Sarah deserved more as the series came to an end - and Chris and Dianne were crowned the Strictly 2024 winners. @liama123_ said: "Justice for ar sarah!! #strictly." @MAISTOMIOKA commented: "Sarah or tasha possibly being the best dancers this series and losing is criminal #Strictly." @reploverlore added: "Sarah robbed I fear but chris deserved it #Strictly."
Some, however, weren't happy with Shirley's comments to Sarah druing the final as she said: "Look, you've ended up in the final! I bet you didn't think that for a New York minute did you?! You represent, of course, all the women over 50, I'm 64. You get out there and you show women, 'You know what, you can do this.'"
@lilcoladele posted: "hirley stop mentioning sarah’s age challenge she can just be amazing regardless of her age #strictly." @jodiekins22 shared: "I can’t do with Shirley constantly bringing up Sarah’s age She’s amazing, full stop. #Strictly." @BethanyFoden said: "Why does Shirley always mention Sarah’s age though! She’s good, doesn’t matter that she’s over 50! #strictly." @HiftleJanice added: "Even in the final. Shirley mentioning Sarah's age!!!#strictly."