Strictly viewers 'work out real reason' Cynthia Erivo isn't allowed to score dances

Strictly Come Dancing welcomed a special guest to Movie Night tonight, as Wicked icon Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the film, joins as the show's first ever guest mentor.

Despite picking up the role for the first time, it's not Cynthia's first time on the BBC reality show. She'll be making a return four years after her role as guest judge in 2021. Tonight, she's back on the judging panel, but it was announced at the start of the show she wasn't allowed to score. Fans were left fuming, but some think they've worked out why.

As guest mentor, she will help the couples deliver “blockbuster performances”, the BBC says. However, it's not the only Wicked tribute the show paid, featuring a Wicked-inspired performance by the professional dancers.

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After the professional dancers' Wicked performance, Cynthia joined Motsi, Anton, Craig and Shirley on the judging panel, and although she's sitting in the middle, the movie star isn't allowed to vote.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one questioned: "If they had no plans to utilise Cynthia as a judge that can score then why didn’t they use her as the singer for the night?! Just to give our ears a break for one week," as another penned: "cynthia just sat in the middle whilst they score is sending me, she’s like a competition winner!"

Another laughed: "Poor Cynthia just awkwardly sat in the middle when they’re doing the scores has absolutely sent me!"

However, many fans believe they've worked out why she can't vote. One penned: "I assume the reason they aren't letting Cynthia vote is it would really mess with the scoring statistics?" while another said: "Perhaps cause she gave them assistance?"

Cynthia had an eye for talent during the first stint on the show, was very impressed by Rose Ayling-Ellis, who went on to win the whole competition.

After her moving dance to Frozen with Giovanni Pernice during musicals week, Cynthia spoke to the deaf EastEnders star by using sign language, telling her: "You're joyful. Beautiful.

"That was so much fun to watch and you managed to get all the characterisation and the mood and the feeling all in one. It was gorgeous, so thank you."

This year, the celebrities continued to gush about Cynthia, with Amber Davies calling it the "best time of her life."

Wicked: For Good, will be released on November 21, with Cynthia's appearance on Strictly Come Dancing just weeks before the premiere.

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