Mel C has been accused by some Strictly Come Dancing viewers of miming during her performance on the latest results show. The Spice Girls singer appeared on the BBC One programme to perform her recent single, and the reaction online was swift.
Several viewers took to X to question whether the singer was performing live, with some asking why she had been given a microphone at all. The complaints surfaced within seconds of her appearance on stage, as the Week Five results show got underway on BBC One.
What Happened on the Results Show
Viewers complained that Mel C mimed her performance of 'Sweat' on the results show, with many questioning why she needed a microphone. The remarks began almost as soon as she took the stage, with fans reacting in real time as the performance aired.
The Week Five results show opened with a gym-themed routine from the professional dancers, and Mel C's slot followed shortly after. 'Sweat' is a song she released in 2025. Her appearance fit the programme's usual mix of dancing and guest musical acts.
Viewers Take to Social Media
Several fans went to X to share their views on the performance. One wrote: 'What's the point of the mic?' Others said the singer had not needed to be there for the routine, while another viewer asked why a microphone had been fitted to her at all.
The reaction was not entirely negative. One viewer described the miming as poor but said Mel C looked sensational. Many fans also praised her appearance, noting her gym work as she performed in a pink top and blue shorts.
'Was she even singing?': Strictly Come Dancing viewers accuse Mel C of 'miming' during her performance as she works up a sweat on the dancefloorhttps://t.co/5aEbRd4ugY
— Top-news (@ZasaAdam667777) October 26, 2026
Some viewers separated the vocal criticism from the staging. Alongside the complaints about the singing, there was praise for the professional dancers' routine. The overall response on social media was therefore mixed rather than uniformly critical.
How the Results Show Is Produced
The Strictly results show is pre-recorded immediately after Saturday's live programme, although presenters continue to refer to it as if it were broadcast live. The performances shown on Sunday evening have therefore already been filmed by the time they air.
Strictly has also pre-recorded singing performances on other occasions, as have other shows. No response from Mel C or the BBC to the miming claims had been published at the time of writing.
Well, Mel C is absolutely shite at miming. #Strictly #Strictly2026 #StrictlyComeDancing
— Francesca 🌙✨ (@francescajayne_) October 25, 2026
Mel C's Link With Strictly and Ballroom Television
Mel C, whose full name is Melanie Chisholm, is no stranger to the format. She has taken part in the American version of the show, Dancing with the Stars. She performed a cha-cha-cha to the Spice Girls hit 'Wannabe' in her debut on that programme. She and her professional partner Gleb Savchenko were later eliminated from the competition.
Her bandmates also have history with the format. Mel B placed second on the US show in 2007, while Emma Bunton finished third on Strictly Come Dancing the year before. The family of Spice Girls links to ballroom television is part of why her appearance drew attention from viewers.
The series continues with the remaining couples preparing for another week of competition. The results show remains a regular showcase for guest musical performances alongside the dancing, with each episode following the live show broadcast the night before. Mel C performed 'Sweat' on the Week Five results show, which opened with a gym-themed routine from the professional dancers.
