The BBC found itself under fire during the 2025 finale of Strictly Come Dancing due to an on-air blunder involving Duchess Sophie.
Attentive viewers of the live broadcast noticed the mistake when Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, unexpectedly appeared in a video message to commend finalist Ellie Goldstein.
Ellie made history on the show as the first contestant with Down’s syndrome and had been the fifth competitor to be eliminated this season.
In her message, the Duchess, who is a patron of the charity Mencap, applauded Ellie for her efforts to change perceptions about people with learning disabilities and emphasized her contributions as an advocate for the organization.
However, as the message played out, the on-screen caption identified her as ‘Sophie Wessex, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh’ – a title she no longer uses.
Sophie dropped the Wessex designation following changes to royal titles, making the caption incorrect.
The BBC faced criticism during the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final after making an on-air mistake involving Duchess Sophie’s title
Viewers watching the live show spotted the error when Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, appeared in a surprise video message praising finalist Ellie Goldstein
The error quickly caught the attention of fans, with one viewer taking to social media to point out the oversight and question how such a mistake made it to air during one of the BBC’s most significant live events of the year.
The viewer noted, “She isn’t called Sophie Wessex anymore!” accompanied by a face palm emoji.
Another viewer however bypassed the mistake, instead impressed with the inclusion penning: ‘Had all the royal touches tonight from Duchess of Edinburgh and Queen Camilla. #Strictly’
Sophie said in her video message: ‘I’m Patron of MENCAP and Ellie is one of our amazing supporters.
‘She has dispelled quite a number of perceptions of people with learning disabilities.’
Sophie wasn’t the only royal who showed an interest in Saturday night’s final.
To mark Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last ever show, the pair received a truly royal send off from the Queen herself.
The pair were left stunned when a surprise message arrived just moments before the results were revealed.
However the royal was referred to as ‘Sophie Wessex HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh’ – a title she no longer uses as she dropped the Wessex designation following changes to royal titles, making the caption incorrect
Sophie said in her video message: ‘I’m Patron of MENCAP and Ellie is one of our amazing supporters. ‘She has dispelled quite a number of perceptions of people with learning disabilities’
The slip did not go unnoticed by fans, with one viewer quick to flag the mistake on social media and question how it made it to air during one of the BBC’s biggest live broadcasts of the year
Ellie was the first person with Down’s syndrome to appear on the dancing show and the fifth star to be voted out of this series
Ellie, who is a model and actress, was reunited on the show with her pro dance partner Vito Coppola who she described as ‘the best guy in the world’
The tribute, delivered by long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood, who has been part of Strictly since its 2004 launch, revealed to be from the Queen Consort herself.
An emotional Craig read: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.
‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’
Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the tribute as they struggled to contain their emotion after the heartfelt letter.
Sophie wasn’t the only royal who showed an interest in Saturday night’s final and to mark Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last ever show, the pair received a truly royal send off from the Queen herself
An emotional Craig Revel Horwood read out the letter admitting that he was ‘nervous’ before adding that it really was official
Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t speak now. What an honour.
‘Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.’
Claudia replied: ‘That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.
‘We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.’
