“Strictly Faces Backlash Over ‘Insensitive’ Titanic Dance — Viewers Say the Show Sank Its Own Reputation”
What should have been a joyful Musicals Week on Strictly Come Dancing quickly spiraled into controversy on Sunday night, after a Titanic-themed dance number triggered a storm of outrage across social media. What began as a playful tribute to a West End parody musical ended with fans accusing the BBC hit show of showing “zero sensitivity” toward one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.
The results show featured an elaborate performance by the cast of Titanique, the popular Céline Dion-inspired parody musical currently running at London’s Criterion Theatre. The number included iconic hits like My Heart Will Go On, All By Myself, and To Love You More, with dancers recreating light-hearted scenes inspired by the Titanic film.
But viewers at home were not amused.
⚡ Viewers Call It “Tone-Deaf” and “Disrespectful”
Within minutes of the performance airing, social media erupted.
“Why is Strictly making jokes about a tragedy where 1,500 people died?”
“This is unbelievably tasteless.”
“Who approved this? Seriously?”
On X (formerly Twitter), #Strictly and #Titanic trended as frustrated fans argued that the BBC had crossed a line by treating a historic disaster — one with real victims and descendants still alive — as comedic entertainment.
One viewer wrote:
“This isn’t a theme. This was a tragedy. Stop turning history into punchlines.”
Others compared it to making a lighthearted musical about 9/11 or the Grenfell Tower fire — an example of how deeply the decision shocked audiences.
🎭 What the Producers Intended vs. What Viewers Saw
Strictly producers likely expected Titanique’s campy, comedic energy to charm viewers, especially since the parody musical has earned rave reviews in the West End. But for many fans who weren’t familiar with the show’s tone, the segment felt wildly inappropriate.
The performance included exaggerated movements, comedic acting, and tongue-in-cheek costuming — all of which only amplified viewers’ frustration.
Several fans noted that Strictly is a family show, and that parodying a mass-casualty event during early-evening television was “out of touch” and “unnecessary.”
💔 Shock Elimination Overshadowed by Backlash
But the controversy didn’t end there.
The Titanic uproar overshadowed what should have been the night’s biggest moment: the shock elimination of fan-favorite Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones.
Despite strong performances throughout the season, Lewis was eliminated after a tense dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Fans were stunned:
“Lewis going home is the REAL tragedy tonight.”
“Katya and Lewis deserved the semi-final. What a joke.”
“This result plus the Titanic dance? Strictly is having a meltdown.”
The emotional exit was lost in the noise as the Titanic backlash continued to dominate discussion.
🎤 What’s Next for Strictly?
The four remaining couples will move on to next weekend’s semi-final, featuring a major guest performance by Kylie Minogue and music from Five.
But for now, Strictly finds itself in the middle of a PR storm, with fans demanding the BBC address why a comedic reinterpretation of a real historical disaster was chosen for prime-time entertainment.
Whether the show will issue a statement remains uncertain.
One thing, however, is clear:
Strictly expected applause — but instead got a wave of anger it never saw coming.