Strictly Come Dancing in Brexit row as fans complain over choice of music

Strictly Come Dancing was pulled into a Brexit row after fans complained about a choice of music for its professional dancers.

Fans of the BBC dance show hit out over the opening number as the professionals danced to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the official anthem of the European Union.

Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, completed in 1824, was adopted as the ‘Anthem of Europe’ by the Council of Europe in 1972 and subsequently by the European Union in 1985.

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The Anthem of Europe is played at official occasions such as political or civil events and is used by the EU to represent the union and its people.

And some viewers at home didn’t agree with the choice after Brexit – the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on January 31, 2020.

One viewer tweeted about the performance: “Surprised at opening music – wasn’t it based on Ode to Joy, the EU anthem. Or was it subtle – dark forces surrounding the innocent?”

“They’re dancing to the EU theme tune. This is almost as bad as that Ashley Banjo thing. I’m complaining to Ofcom,” remarked another.

“Good to see the BBC siding with the EU,” said another viewer with a winking-face emoji.

“Is #scd #strictly trolling us with this minor key version of the EU anthem, Ode to Joy?” asked another fan.

“Strictly results show opens with a dance to the EU anthem Ode to Joy. Don’t you just love European values in the British media,” tweeted another.

But another viewer replied: “Oh do get a grip.”

And another said about the choice of music: “It’s only a piece of music. Beethoven wrote it before the EU was ever conceived.”

Others heaped praise on the routine, starring Gorka Marquez as a terrifying villainous king, focusing on the ‘fantastic characterisation.’

One described it as “a spooky ‘Ode to Joy’ routine.”

“Absolutely epic. A brilliant performance by all,” said another.

And another third said: “Thank you so so much for always delivering these Halloween pro dances year after year. I look forward to them so much and they never disappoint.”