Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has defended contestant Dan Walker after he was flooded with backlash when he sailed through to the semi-finals.
It came after the BBC Breakfast star beat Tilly Ramsay in the dance offs on the show.
Following the decision from the judges, many viewers took to Twitter to share their distaste over the decision, resulting in Dan himself needed to issue a statement on the decision.
In an interview with The Mirror, judge Craig had a lot to say about the comments – adding that it’s clear that the public loves budding dancer Dan.
(Image: PA)
Craig said: “It’s sort of impossible [to fix the results] and I can tell you why.
“We have to vote personally on a keypad, and we have to push that keypad within seven seconds of the dance finishing and we can’t change our minds.
“Once we’ve chosen a mark, that’s it, and we don’t know what the other judges are choosing until it’s too late.”
He added that he doesn’t find out what other people have voted for until the paddles are given and ready to go.
(Image: BBC / Guy Levy)
Craig continued: “I’m as shocked as everybody else because it’s their own personal opinion and no one can change it. So once I’ve done it, it’s too late.”
However, he did confess he can understand why people get particularly invested in the celebs because viewers are watching VTs at home, whereas Craig is merely watching a dance.
He said he believes that Dan is “one of the weaker dancers” left in the competition, but added that it’s clear the public love him.
Dan Walker and Sally Nugent discussed the “fix” claims on BBC Breakfast as Dan said on the morning show: “Listen, I’m just having a lovely time.
(Image: PA)
“I don’t get the fix stuff, I’m just very thankful for all the support and the people who keep voting. And we’re just enjoying dancing, that’s basically it.
“I know stuff like that gets written based on three or four comments or tweets, and it’s lovely that people care about the programme. But then I genuinely get thousands of messages every day from people who are enjoying it and having a nice time.”
Dan will appear on Strictly for another weekend as the BBC Breakfast star dances in the quarter finals this weekend alongside professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
