Overview
- Strictly’s published semi-final rundown confirms Karen Carney with Carlos Gu and Balvinder Sopal with Julian Caillon will each perform a Waltz and a Salsa on December 13.
- Viewers on X and other platforms allege producers are setting up a direct comparison between the two pairs, while others call the overlap bad luck or a byproduct of advance planning.
- Producers have not issued any explanation beyond the song-and-dance list released on the show’s official channels.
- The semi-final features four couples performing two routines each: Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin (Couple’s Choice; Tango), George Clarke and Alexis Warr (Charleston; Samba), Karen and Carlos (Salsa to Turn the Beat Around; Waltz to One Moment in Time), and Balvinder and Julian (Waltz to At This Moment; Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet).
- Scrutiny intensified after the unexpected quarter-final exit of Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, which fans say has heightened sensitivities about scheduling and perceived fairness.