Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left split by news of more ‘contemporary’ dance styles.
This year’s 16th series will make the first change to the Strictly dances in almost a decade, since The Charleston was introduced back in 2009.
A new Couple’s Choice dance will allow the celebs and pro partners to pick one of three non-Ballroom and Latin styles: Contemporary, Street/Commercial and Theatre/Jazz.
A spokesperson for the show announced: “This series of Strictly we are introducing a brand-new dance category, Couples Choice.
“This will give our celebrities and professional dancers an even greater opportunity to showcase their skills and for the show to celebrate even more styles of dance.”
Although the show hasn’t started yet, the new dances have already split many fans.
A number have accused the show of ditching its traditional ballroom roots, with one reacting: “Hardly ballroom is it? The BBC abandoning dance for entertainment.”
“Soon there will be none of the original Ballroom & Latin dances left. Every dance will become a show dance. Please get back to basics BBC,” another posted to Twitter.
A third agreed: “But I thought it was a ballroom dancing competition and the winner needs to be able to excel in Latin and ballroom?”
And a forth even posted: “Is this a really belated April fools?”
Some suggested the new styles would be an advantage to contestants with dance experience, such as Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts.
But as well as the complaints, there was also a lot of support for the move.
“This sounds amazing! I love the dance choices!” one Strictly posted online.
Another enthused: “Can’t wait for this!”
Strictly Come Dancing 2018 will start this Saturday night on BBC One with its pre-recorded launch show.
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