Viewers tuning into were perplexed on Sunday evening as the results show deviated from tradition, prompting an immediate flurry of complaints on Twitter, now known as X. Fans at home expressed their dismay when the programme kicked off without the much-loved opening routine usually performed by the dance professionals.

Amidst fan outcry, one viewer lamented: "They're opening with the results first? ? don't they nearly go straight into a pro dance? ? ? #Strictly." Another frustrated tweet read: "WHY DO THEY KEEP CHANGING THE FORMAT #scd." While someone else confessed: "I know they're only small changes but I hate this new format #strictly."

Another follower questioned: "Why have we stopped starting with a group number i'm so confused #strictly" and another disappointed fan shared: "I don't like this new format of not opening with the group dance. Looking forward to the rom com dance #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," reports .

Another remarked: "The Sunday opening dance is always the best. Where is it? #Strictly."

This unexpected change in the show's format follows the surreal Movie Week opening spectacle that had seen the professional dancers channel the animated Minions from Despicable Me, complete with Kai Widdrington taking on the role of Gru and fellow dancers sporting vibrant yellow to embody the lovable creatures.

Meanwhile, the stars and their dance partners dazzled with movie-themed performances featuring stunning costumes. However, Sunday will unfortunately witness the departure of the second celebrity.

DIY SOS's Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk were scheduled to perform a Charleston to Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2 before the weekend, but Nick had to withdraw on Friday due to an injury.

This follows last weekend's exit of Olympian Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova, who were the first pair to be eliminated from the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer