BBC Strictly sparks outrage as dance-off prompts fresh ‘fix’ row: ‘Joke and a farce!’
Jamie Borthwick and dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas have become the ninth couple to leave this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, in an elimination which has outraged viewers.
The two faced the dreaded dance-off alongside Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe, with the judges unanimously voting off the EastEnders star.
However, in a similar vein to last week, plenty of fans complained about Pete Wicks once again avoiding being in the bottom two despite frequently coming in last place on the scoring leaderboard.
During the Results Show, Borthwick once again performed his Foxtrot to Stand Be Me, with Douglas taking to the floor for a second time for her Quickstep to Get Happy.
When it was time for a decision, the judges reached the same verdict, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabus, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas all opting to save the former Olympian and Gladiators star.
Offering her sympathies, host Tess Daly asked Borthwick what the show had meant to him.
“Strictly is magic,” the 30-year-old replied, adding: “That is all I can say. Strictly is magic.
“Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show.
“I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing.
“I’ve had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle].
“She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe.
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”
Tsiakkas, 29, added: “I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week.
“He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make.
“I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Fans watching from home soon called the show a “fix” once again over the two couples, who are widely deemed talented, being in the dance-off.
Taking to X, one penned: “I mean this in the nicest way possible but ain’t no way in hell Pete is a better dancer than Montell. What in the actually f***ery?! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
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“#strictly not fair voting. Jamie is actually good and Montell has improved a lot,” another shared.
“Neither of these 2 should be in this dance off sadly. so it’ll be sad to lose either of them #Strictly,” a third complained.
Another X user added: “#strictly OK that’s it the British public should not be allowed to vote..in anything.. @jojo_radebe doesn’t deserve to be in the bottom 2 again..fix.”
“Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly,” another fumed.
“#strictly jamie shouldnt have gone!!” someone else echoed, with one more writing: “Nahhh, I’m gutted for Jamie. Neither of them should’ve been in the dance off this week! #Strictly.” (sic)