Dame Sarah Storey found herself at the center of a Strictly Come Dancing storm on Saturday, October 17, 2026. She scored just 21 points for her tango during the BBC show’s fourth week. The Manchester-born athlete, who is Britain’s most successful Paralympian with 30 Paralympic medals including 19 golds, performed alongside professional partner Julian Caillon during the competition’s high-profile Icons Week.
The routine, set to Shania Twain’s iconic pop-country hit “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” immediately drew skepticism from viewers at home. Despite praise for the pair’s attitude, character, and dramatic delivery, the judges’ scoring left them at the bottom of the leaderboard. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and another panelist awarded the pair scores of 5, while Anton Du Beke handed out a 6, bringing their total to 21.
Fan Backlash Over Song Choice and Scoring
Social media erupted following the performance. Devoted viewers accused show producers of setting the decorated Paralympian up for failure. Fans argued that the upbeat, poppy track was entirely unsuited for a traditional, dramatic tango.
“They did Sarah so dirty with that song for a Tango,” one viewer wrote online. Another added: “I’m sorry but I’m calling sabotage. How are you going to give Sarah a Tango and give her a poppy song to dance to? I feel like this theme did them a disservice.”
The controversy added to mounting tensions surrounding the judging panel’s consistency during Icons Week. While the judges celebrated the evening dressed as musical legends-with Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke appearing as members of Oasis, Shirley Ballas channeling Lady Gaga, and Motsi Mabuse stepping out as Beyoncé-viewers felt the scoring favored male contestants while harshly criticizing female competitors.
The Elimination and Exit from the Competition
The low score proved insurmountable. Following the public vote, Dame Sarah and Julian found themselves in the dance-off alongside actress Bethany Antonia and her professional partner Nancy Xu. After both couples performed their routines a second time, the judges-Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas-unanimously voted to save Bethany and Nancy.
Reflecting on her time on the flagship BBC reality series, Sarah graciously thanked her partner Julian, calling her Strictly journey “the biggest blessing.”
“I’ve had the most amazing teacher, which has been the biggest blessing,” Sarah told host Emma Willis. “Getting to learn different dances is something I’ve never ever done or something I thought I could do. I’m really proud to have been able to learn a few weeks with this incredible chap, I’ve really enjoyed every minute.”
Julian reciprocated the praise, highlighting Sarah’s remarkable work ethic and dedication in the training room. “I’ve been so impressed by your work ethic, I’ve had an absolute blast and I’m so glad you got to do that because you are amazing,” Julian said. “You can dance! I need you to know that.”
Broader Context of Icons Week
Icons Week delivered plenty of drama beyond the dance floor. The results show opened with a critically acclaimed Madonna medley performed by the professional dancers, which won praise from fans after weeks of requests for dance-heavy cold opens. Meanwhile, celebrity family members in the audience-including TV figures Danny Dyer and Ray Winstone supporting their respective daughters-drew attention from observant viewers and camera operators alike.
Despite her early exit, Dame Sarah Storey leaves the competition having inspired millions, proving her resilience and willingness to embrace a completely new and humbling challenge outside of elite athletic arenas.
