Huge Strictly Come Dancing shake-up as all four judges 'replaced' in Musicals Week

Strictly Come Dancing was affected by a major shake-up this week – in more ways than one.

All four judges were ‘replaced’ in the lead-up to Musicals Week, leaving Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke’s podiums to be taken over by four other stars.

As well as the show airing on a Friday rather than a Saturday due to the ongoing World Cup, the quarter finals underwent a huge shake-up in the pro dance.

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Before the judges were announced, professional dancers including Neil Jones took over the podiums, which had been left empty for the opening number.

They performed to a track from Legally Blonde while playfully dancing behind the glittery tables – giving the impression that the four dancers had taken over from the judges.

Thankfully, the four main stars were back when the dance ended, introduced by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as they took their usual seats – restoring order to a rather chaotic show.

Tess was quick to point out that the dancers had one less day of training this week in view of the show being brought forward – but admitted they were all doing stellar jobs.

Carlos Gu and Molly Rainford were the ones to open the show with a Charleston. The pair received their highest score yet, with Carlos breaking down live on air in a rare show of emotion.

Claudia Winkleman couldn’t help but point out the tears making their way down his cheeks as he sobbed, with Molly celebrating their huge achievement.

But when it came to Hamza and Jowita’s Samba, Craig Revel Horwood was forced to say: “Well I have to critique something, it’s the quarter final!” despite the overwhelming positivity for the pair.

Fans are already predicting the “foregone conclusion” of Hamza taking the glitterball trophy, with one writing: “It just feels like waiting for them to crown Hamza now #Strictly.”

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Another added: “Wow Hamza & Jowita… got to be a favourite to win #Strictly. Outstanding! Well done!”

As a third fan echoed: “Wow Hamza… I’m so rooting for him to win this!”

“Seriously, I want Hamza to win. He’s the Bill Bailey of this series. Has genuinely learnt how to dance in front of us, is clearly enjoying it and is just very lovely and gracious,” someone else said.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk