Pet Shop Boys fans slam BBC as they spot sad detail during Strictly Come Dancing opener

Fans of the Pet Shop Boys have slammed the BBC following the iconic duo's performance on this evening.

Viewers declared the live show's opening 'the best ever' as the synth-pop duo and Chris Lowe - who hails from Blackpool - belted out a medley of their hits as a huge group dance took place inside the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Before the remaining couples took to the dancefloor themselves, treated viewers to special mini concert as they performed their hits like It's A Sin. Not only that, the duo will return for Sunday's pre-recorded Results Show to play their new single, All The Young Dudes.

But while Strictly fans were united in loving seeing the band open the show, some noticed how no same-sex pairing graced the dancefloor during the huge number for the tribute to a group synonymous with culture. Both lead vocalist Neil and keyboardist Chris are gay and have celebrated queer culture throughout their career.

"A massive Pet Shop Boys medley and its women dancing with men. No same gender couples. The audacity. #Strictly," one upset viewer penned on (X) after the breathtaking opener. "Howay a Pet Shop Boys medley with 100 people on the floor and not a single same-sex pairing?? #strictly," another mused.

The took a bashing as one angry fan fumed: "still refusing to have any sort of same gender pairing when it’s literally a tribute to the pet shop boys? bbc when i catch you #strictly #strictlycomedancing." Another agreed, quipping: "'You know what this Pet Shop Boys medley needs? Exclusively heterosexual dance pairings!" - the #Strictly choreographers.

After the Pet Shop Boys opened the show, comedian Chris McCausland - favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy next month - delivered a classical American smooth routine as Strictly Come Dancing returned to Blackpool. With Dianne Buswell he danced to Canadian-born singer Paul Anka’s Jump, and afterwards punched the air and bounced excitedly after they became the 100th Strictly couple to perform in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Head judge told black tie-wearing McCausland he had the "best feet I’ve seen in a long time", and "didn’t miss a beat". "If anyone can beat that tonight, I’d be amazed," Anton Du Beke said. Buswell and McCausland earned 37 points from the judges, as the stand-up comedian’s mother, father and sister watched him in the audience.

Olympian and Gladiators star Montell Douglas was praised for her energetic salsa to Don’t Leave Me This Way by Australian singer Kylie Minogue, in which she was lifted up by additional dancers and spun around. Judge Motsi Mabuse called Douglas “the biggest showgirl” and said her performance with professional Johannes Radebe was “fantastic”. Craig Revel Horwood described her torso as “disengaged” and said a turn with Radebe at one point looked “ugly”. The judges gave them 35 points.

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