Lacey Turner threw herself into a fast-paced salsa on Strictly Come Dancing — but it was Shirley Ballas’s response that became a talking point among viewers.

The EastEnders actress and professional partner Vito Coppola performed to Blondie’s Atomic, delivering an energetic routine that drew enthusiastic reactions from much of the judging panel. Shirley, however, felt the performance’s ambition had come at the expense of its technique.

Her six-point score, the lowest awarded to the couple, prompted some fans to question whether her assessment had been too severe.

For Lacey, whose confidence had already become a concern among viewers following the previous weekend’s show, the contrasting feedback made for another closely watched moment.

Craig Revel Horwood welcomed the stronger intent behind the performance, although he acknowledged that its frantic pace had affected the technique.

Despite those reservations, he made clear that he had enjoyed watching it.

Anton Du Beke also praised Lacey’s commitment, responding warmly to the sheer effort she had put into the demanding choreography. Motsi Mabuse was similarly enthusiastic, celebrating the actress’s growing presence on the dancefloor.

Together, their comments suggested a contestant making progress and embracing the challenge of performing with greater conviction.

Shirley’s assessment brought a different perspective.

The head judge recognised Lacey’s power and commitment but criticised the footwork, arguing that the packed choreography had left the salsa looking untidy.

“It looked technically rough,” she said.

Her remarks drew boos from the studio audience, underlining the gap between the crowd’s enthusiasm and her technical assessment. Craig appeared to join the reaction, adding a theatrical flourish to an already lively exchange.

When the scores arrived, the difference between the judges became clearer.

Craig and Motsi each awarded seven points, while Anton gave the couple eight.

Shirley’s six brought their total to 28.

The article’s reported total of 29 does not match those individual marks, but the central point of contention remained Shirley’s lower score and firmer criticism.

On social media, some viewers rallied around Lacey, praising her energy and questioning the tone of the feedback she received.

Several felt Shirley had been particularly tough on the actress. Others pointed to the more positive responses from the rest of the panel as a reason they struggled to understand her assessment.

A number of comments went further, speculating about Shirley’s feelings towards Lacey. Those suggestions reflected viewers’ opinions; the differing scores alone do not establish any personal bias.

What the exchange did reveal was a familiar tension at the heart of Strictly: an entertaining performance can win over an audience while still attracting criticism for its technical execution.

Even Craig, despite his enthusiastic response, had identified shortcomings.

Shirley’s concerns therefore were not entirely separate from the rest of the panel’s observations — but her delivery and lower mark left a noticeably different impression.

For Lacey’s supporters, the frustration appeared to centre on whether her increased confidence and commitment had received enough recognition. They had watched her attack a demanding routine, and many wanted that effort reflected more generously in the judging.

Shirley, meanwhile, made clear that enthusiasm could not replace precise footwork.

That disagreement helped turn Lacey and Vito’s salsa into more than another scored routine. It became a debate about how Strictly balances encouragement, entertainment and technical standards.

Lacey left the floor with praise for her determination, criticism to work on and vocal support from viewers who felt she deserved more. Her performance had certainly caught their attention — even if the judges could not agree on exactly how much it deserved.