Could Scarlett Moffatt's Win Expose Strictly Come Dancing's Major Flaw?

Scarlett Moffatt's victory at the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special was a delightful surprise for fans, showcasing her dance prowess and charm. Paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola, Scarlett delivered an exceptional Cha Cha to Cher’s festive track, DJ Play a Christmas Song, earning a perfect score of 40. This year's special, while light-hearted, highlighted the complexities of competition, especially regarding dance training backgrounds and public perception.

Last updated: 26 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special concluded with Scarlett Moffatt being crowned champion. The event, aired on Christmas Day, saw various celebrities perform in a festive atmosphere, with Scarlett's performance standing out as a highlight. Her victory has reignited discussions about the impact of dance training on public perception in competitions, especially within a light-hearted context.

Key takeaways

Scarlett Moffatt won the Christmas Special with a perfect score.
Her performance featured impressive dance skills, raising eyebrows about her prior training.
The winner was determined by the studio audience, contrasting with public voting in regular series.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special victory for Scarlett Moffatt can be summarised as follows:

25 December 2023: The Christmas Special airs, with Scarlett performing her memorable Cha Cha.
December 2023: The festive episode features various celebrity performances, including Nicholas Bailey's Viennese Waltz.
November 2023: The announcement of show contestants takes place, building anticipation for the Christmas event.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Scarlett's victory in the Christmas Special is the latest development, showcasing her dance prowess and ability to engage the audience. The event highlighted the lighter, festive side of the competition, providing entertainment for viewers on Christmas Day.

What was already established

Prior to the special, Scarlett had a background in dance, which raised questions about the fairness of her participation. This year’s Christmas Special was designed to be a fun, non-serious affair, contrasting with the intense scrutiny faced by contestants in the main series.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, while primarily an entertainment event, serves as a cultural touchstone for many UK households during the festive season. It encourages family viewership and engagement, providing a shared experience amidst the holiday celebrations.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses related to entertainment and media, the popularity of such specials can drive viewership ratings, impacting advertising revenue. The positive reception of celebrity performances can lead to increased interest in dance and performance-related industries.

Policy and regulation

While the Christmas Special does not directly involve policy or regulatory changes, it contributes to discussions around media representation and the treatment of individuals with professional backgrounds in public competitions.

Numbers that matter

40: The score achieved by Scarlett Moffatt for her performance, indicating exceptional technical skill.
1: The mark difference between Scarlett and the second-best performer, Nicholas Bailey, showcasing the competitive nature of the event.
25 December: The date of the Christmas Special, a significant date for cultural programming in the UK.

Definitions and jargon buster

Cha Cha: A lively dance of Cuban origin with quick steps and rhythmic patterns, often performed in Latin dance competitions.
Viennese Waltz: A fast-paced ballroom dance in triple time, known for its smooth, flowing movements.
Glitterball trophy: The coveted award presented to the winning couple on Strictly Come Dancing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the Christmas Special, fans can anticipate discussions around potential future appearances of Scarlett Moffatt on the main series, given her strong performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new year unfolds, viewers may see shifts in how contestants with prior dance experience are received, potentially influencing future casting decisions for the main show.

Signals to watch

Future casting announcements for the main series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Public reactions to contestant performances, particularly those with professional backgrounds.
Viewership ratings for upcoming episodes compared to previous years.

Practical guidance

Do

Enjoy the festive spirit of the Christmas Special without undue scrutiny of contestants’ backgrounds.
Share the experience with family and friends, fostering a sense of community.

Don’t

Engage in negative commentary about contestants with dance training; focus on the entertainment value instead.
Miss out on the broader cultural significance of such specials during festive seasons.

Checklist

Watch the Christmas Special for a dose of festive cheer.
Consider the talent and hard work behind each performance.
Reflect on how reality TV shapes public perceptions of talent.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Christmas Special is designed for entertainment, it does bring to light the ongoing debate about the perceived fairness of contestants with professional dance training. The reactions from fans can vary widely, with some supporting the inclusion of trained dancers while others may express disappointment. The unpredictable nature of public voting in the main series can also lead to unexpected outcomes.

Bottom line

Scarlett Moffatt's win at the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special has sparked renewed interest in the relationship between talent, training, and public perception in reality competitions. As discussions continue, her performance could pave the way for future appearances, demonstrating the importance of talent and charisma in entertainment.

FAQs

Who won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special?

Scarlett Moffatt won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, impressing audiences with her stunning Cha Cha performance.

What was the score for Scarlett's performance?

Scarlett achieved a perfect score of 40 for her performance, highlighting her exceptional skills and showmanship.

How does the voting work in the Christmas Special?

In the Christmas Special, the winner is determined by a studio audience vote, contrasting with the public voting system used in the regular series.