BBC viewers are not happy with the outcome of the first elimination of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Sunday night’s episode saw 24-year-old swimmer Tom Dean get the boot, making him the first person to get axed from the show.
The judges were split on who to save between Tom and actress Toyah Wilcox.
Anton Du Beke was keen on keeping Tom in the competition, but Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood threw their support behind Toyah, leaving head judge Shirley Ballas with the final say.
Shirley opted to save 66-year-old Toyah, much to the dismay of many viewers who didn’t support her decision reports the Mirror.
Twitter was ablaze with outrage, as one viewer exclaimed: “Absolute fix. They obviously have some deal to give Neil more air time this year. Poor Tom. Not on at all.”
(Image: BBC)
Another claimed “Tom has been robbed!! Toyah was by far the worse dancer!!! Absolute Fix.”
A third disgruntled fan wrote: “Jeez. First week and already a disgraceful decision. Wasn’t your fault Tom.”
“Totally disagree with the decision this evening. Tom was far better,” another insisted.
One particularly upset fan commented: “Actually gutted Tom left #Strictly, his week 1 dance was the best of the night – the chemistry between the two of them was so good. Should not have been in the dance off.”
Before delivering her pivotal vote, Shirley praised both celebs for their efforts but ultimately had to make the tough call.
She said: “I think both couples appeared a little bit nervous to start with and of course, this is our first dance-off.
“Both of them had some qualities, the first thing required as a dancer is timing and clarity. Both couples were a little bit in and out but one was a little bit more out than in, the same as what Motsi said.”
“Due to musicality and other things that I had to pick and getting out there, your life depending on it, I have to save Toyah and Neil.”
(Image: BBC)
The Olympian and his dance partner Nadiya dazzled with a Cha Cha that landed them ninth place on the leaderboard with a score of 23 this week.
He matched his previous week’s score for his Tango, racking up a combined total of 46.
Before his final performance, he had a heart-to-heart with judge Tess Daly about his time on the show.
His said: “I’ve had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible. I wish I could have gone further and done more dances.
“I’ve had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We’ll still go out for loads of brunches I’m sure.”
(Image: BBC)
Even though Tom has taken his final bow in the contest, the odds are shifting and Chris McCausland has emerged as a hot contender to win.
Chris’s latest dance with Dianne Buswell snagged them a solid 29 points, putting them at a comfortable sixth position on the leaderboard.
Nicola McGeady from Ladbrokes said: “Tasha may have topped the leaderboard, but punters adore Chris. He has attracted the weight of money for the second week running and stands as the one to beat.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
