BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers are accustomed to the opening number setting the standard for the rest of the evening, but tonight’s performance had social media in a frenzy within seconds.

Alex Kingston , best known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER, took to the dance floor with fan-favourite professional Johannes Radebe to perform the Cha,Cha,Cha. However, their routine quickly descended into chaos, with several mistimed steps leaving both judges and fans shocked.

First to share her thoughts was judge Motsi Mabuse, who didn’t hold back, delivering a blunt critique of the couple's performance. She said, “Every mistake is a bitter taste." Before concluding that she could have forgiven a couple of errors, but “three mistakes... I'm not Mother Christmas!”.

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