Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to cry foul during the live final.

Fans are crying foul (Image: BBC)

Tensions boiled over among Strictly Come Dancing viewers on Saturday night as the live final sparked accusations of a “fix” and claims the outcome was already being decided behind the scenes. As the judges handed out their scores, fans watching at home flooded social media with complaints, insisting it was becoming increasingly obvious who the panel and BBC chiefs wanted to see lift the Glitterball.

Karen and Carlos were first up, taking to the dancefloor with a dramatic routine set to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The judges showed no hesitation, handing out four tens for a perfect score of 40 — the highest mark of the night. George and Alexis followed and delivered a strong performance, but fell just short of perfection after receiving 9, 10, 10 and 10 for a total of 39. Craig was loudly booed by the audience after being the only judge to hold back with a nine. Amber and Nikita then performed their Showdance to Rain On Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

Fans accused the judges of favouritism towards Karen (Image: BBC)

Despite high praise from the panel, they too were capped at 39 after scoring 9, 10, 10 and 10.

It marked the only time all evening that Craig awarded a maximum score, a detail not lost on viewers who accused the judges of favouring Karen in the live final.

Fans went on to cry foul, accusing the judges of having a favourite. One viewer fumed: “It is disappointingly clear who the producers want to win.”

Another claimed: “The judges want Karen to win. It’s so obvious.” A third added: “it’s very clear to me that the producers and judges want Karen to win. Sureley there is a fix going on here??”

However, others took aim at the scoring itself, with one fan writing: “I feel the #Strictly judges want Amber to win. I don’t think it’s fair for a person that has had professional dance training to be in the final of Strictly. I really wish George and Karen all the best.”

The judges’ glowing praise for Karen only added to the backlash online. Motsi told her: “I am so proud of you right now. I can see that you’ve worked intensely on that. It was action-packed, it was stylish, it was gorgeous. Absolutely amazing.”

Shirley went even further, declaring: “You get on this dancefloor and you are a deadly competitor, you put it all on the floor. That was one of my favourite numbers that I’ve ever seen.”

Anton praised the routine’s detail, saying: “Dark, moody, serious. I enjoyed this the first time but this was even better. More accomplished. You have so many wonderful details. Attention to detail makes a dance like this come alive. It was sensational.”

Craig added: “The concept, I think, is absolutely incredible… Your acting throughout was remarkable. You are a sensation.”

The frustration continued to mount, with another viewer adding: “Karen getting all tens and no one else. The absolute desperation from the judges to get her the win…”

Another asked: “The judges are so desperate for Karen to win, it’s hilarious. Do they have a bet on her?”