Judges Of Strictly Come Dancing

Welcome to the glittering, sequin-spangled world of Strictly Come Dancing’s judges, where the only thing more dramatic than the dance-offs is the scoring paddles! If you’ve ever shouted at your TV “That was a ten!” or gasped when a critique cut a little too deep, then this article is for you. Understanding the judges isn’t just fun—it’s your backstage pass to the show’s magic. It helps you appreciate the artistry behind the paso doble, spot tiny technical details, and even predict who might be in the bottom two. Plus, it makes watching with friends a whole lot more entertaining when you can mimic Craig Revel Horwood’s infamous “deevastating” frown.

The judges serve as the show’s ultimate referees, blending professional expertise with outrageous personalities. Their purpose? To guide the celebrities from fumbling foxtrots to flawless finales. The big advantage of their presence is that they push every dancer to improve. Without Shirley Ballas’s eagle eye for footwork or Motsi Mabuse’s infectious energy, the competition would lack structure. They turn raw talent into polished performances, and their scores decide who survives—but their feedback teaches viewers too. Ever noticed how Anton Du Beke always praises “character”? That’s your cue to watch for storytelling in a dance!

Now for the creative fun: imagine rewriting the judges’ most iconic lines into a drinking game! Every time Craig says “It was a bit stiff,” take a sip. When Shirley says “Lovely, lovely, lovely,” do a little cha-cha-cha. Or, better yet, host a “Judge’s Choice” party where friends mimic their signature styles. Someone plays the stern perfectionist (Craig), the warm encourager (Motsi), the technical guru (Shirley), and the dance floor romantic (Anton). You don’t need a ballroom—just a living room and a willingness to yell “Ten!” for comic effect. It’s a hilarious way to bond over the show’s drama while learning their quirks by heart.

For practical advice, try scoring along with the judges next time an episode airs. Grab a notepad and rate each dance from 1 to 10 before they hold up their paddles. Focus on three things: timing (did the dancer land on the beat?), posture (no bent knees in a waltz!), and connection (does the couple look like they’re enjoying it?). You’ll quickly see how your scores align—or hilariously clash—with the pros. This sharpens your eye and makes you feel like a fourth judge on the sofa.

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Another tip: imitate their catchphrases to boost your confidence. Before a big presentation or date, channel Craig’s bluntness and say, “I’m not here to make friends—I’m here to improve.” Or borrow Anton’s gentle British charm: “My darling, you’ve got potential!” It’s a playful way to turn their feedback into everyday motivation. After all, life is just one long dance, and these judges remind us that constructive criticism can spark growth.

Finally, remember the golden rule of being a Strictly fan: the judges are there to entertain you, not to annoy you. When they give a “six” to your favorite, laugh it off instead of fuming. Their exaggerated reactions—from Bruno Tonioli’s (R.I.P. to his chair-standing) to Shirley’s “I’m so emotional” moments—are part of the show’s delicious chaos. So embrace the drama, use these tips to engage deeper, and never stop booing or cheering. That’s what makes Strictly the most joyous party on television. Now, get your paddles ready—it’s time to dance!