Maddie Ingoldsby Responds to Criticism Over Strictly Come Dancing Choreography

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Maddie Ingoldsby has publicly stated she is 'doing her best' following criticism regarding her choreography for partner Cach Mercer. Ingoldsby, who joined the show this year, has faced commentary throughout the series suggesting her choreography is 'unfair' to Mercer.

Ingoldsby, 21, appeared to address the remarks in a TikTok video where she lip-synced to a sound bite asking what she does, to which she replied, 'My best.'

During Saturday night's episode, judge Motsi Mabuse offered critical feedback after Mercer and Ingoldsby performed a cha-cha-cha to "Beggin'" by Måneskin. The couple received a score of 24 out of 40, with judges Craig, Motsi, Shirley, and Anton awarding five, seven, five, and seven points, respectively.

Mabuse noted that the routine lacked technical steps, suggesting Mercer's talent was what saved the performance. While acknowledging Mercer's natural dancing ability, energy, and freestyle talent, Mabuse felt these elements were insufficient for a successful cha-cha-cha. Fans interpreted Mabuse's comments as criticism of Ingoldsby's choreography, believing it relied too heavily on Mercer's inherent style rather than adhering to proper Latin technique.

Viewers on X, formerly Twitter, expressed their dissatisfaction with Ingoldsby's choreography. Comments included assertions that she was 'hindering Cach' due to a lack of basic or fundamental dance steps, and questions about whether Mercer was consistently given choreography that deviated from the intended dance style. Some viewers suggested that Mercer could excel with a different partner capable of pushing him to perform technical moves. Concerns were also raised about the synchronization between Ingoldsby and Mercer, with predictions that Mercer would not reach the final four if Ingoldsby did not adjust her choreographic style.

Elsewhere in the show, Delta Goodrem and her partner Kai Widdrington earned the first 10 of the series for their rumba performance, scoring 34 points. This marked Goodrem's return after a rib injury had previously required her to rest and receive a pass for the following week. Anton Du Beke praised their dance as 'my favourite dance of the series by a million miles,' awarding a 10. However, some viewers felt this score was overly generous for the performance.

Goodrem had detailed her injury in an emotional Instagram video, explaining the pain and her disappointment at being sidelined. She noted that doctors had ordered her to rest, including sleeping upright, to aid her recovery. Strictly rules permit one such 'free pass' before a contestant must withdraw.

The Week 5 leaderboard showed Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita in first place with 37 points, followed by Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington with 34 points. Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby were in eleventh place with 24 points.