Strictly Come Dancing fans have been speaking out in defence of Tony Adams after questioning the reasons for his sudden exit. The former footballer landed in the bottom two as the BBC One dance contest returned with its results show on Sunday evening.
Tony and professional dance partner Katya Jones were set to compete in the dance-off against Tyler West and Dianne Buswell after failing to impress with their jive to Land Of 1,000 Dances by Wilson Pickett, which saw them earn just 24 out of a possible 40 ponts and bottom place on the leaderboard.
However, just as viewers were about to witness both couples dance again in a bid to stay in the competition and make it through to the much-anticipated Blackpool week, Strictly co-host Tess Daly made an announcement. She said: "Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance-off and has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means there will be no dance-off tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool."
Speaking to Tess, Tony, 56, described his experience on the show as "emotional" adding: "I cried for the first month." The former sportsman said: "I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help.
"Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ rubbish was nonsense, but my God the rollercoaster of emotion. I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it, and pick up new skills and explore."
Turning to his dance partner, Katya, Tony added: "I suppose I had better mention this one (Katya), hadn’t I? She is an exceptional human being, she really is." Katya then praised her celebrity partner for pushing through despite a series of low scores from the judges. She said: "I'll be forever grateful that I was partnered with you. Do you know what I love? I loved us and I loved that we didn't care what anyone thought, we did every routine our way..."
But as she spoke, Tony cut it as he began talking about their "genius" routines and how he made it to week eight. "Yet again, he interrupted me when I'm speaking," Katya then hit out with a slight giggle but the moment was quickly picked up by fans watching at home who found it slightly awkward as they questioned Tony's injury and whether he left just of his own accord.
However, Tony also took to Instagram to share how he could "no longer ignore medical advice". Sharing a joyous photo of him being held aloft by his new Strictly pals he apologised to Tyler for not being able to perform the dance-off and thanked everyone who made his experience an "unbelievable joyful, tough and exhilarating 8 weeks."
And fans have been speaking out to say they could see the moment he became injured. @sandeeprainu said: "He did look like he pulled his hamstring after his dance last night. Shame there wasn't a dance off. I'd have quite like to have seen Tyler's dance again." @helen_hall51 wrote: "We thought that would happen, he was liming after the dance 'Saturday night', he couldn't have danced it again so bowed out gracefully, we loved him he did amazingly well."
Jan Baldwin wrote on Facebook: "There are a lot [of] nasty comments about Tony copping out. For goodness sake, the man was saying in the week that he was hurting and after his dance he was limping. If you have nothing nice to say, you know the rest." Alison Johns added: "Love him trying week after week and enjoying life... you could tell he hurt his hamstring last night."
Katya also broke her silence following the airing of the results show on Sunday night, sharing a series of photos of the duo being silly backstage, and videos of them singing together. "Oh @tonyadamsofficial," the dancer began her post. "As you know I never stop talking and especially now I have way too much to say. You came into this show with a quest – to deliver an important message.
"Actions speak a thousand words, and you led by example. By throwing yourself into this wild experience, totally surrendering to it, by showing up every single day and doing your absolute best – you connected and resonated with so many people at home. You inspired them, you entertained them, you gave them hope and without a doubt saved lives. You can walk away and proudly say that your mission is complete!"
Katya praised how Tony had transformed over the series and said it had been an "honour" to be by his side through his Strictly journey. "We both know that it’s not been an easy ride physically and emotionally, but for me personally – it has been utterly rewarding," she added. "I've gained a friend and the entire family!!"
She went on to say that she would miss their backstage "silliness" and she was proud that they "did it our way". She penned: "We took risks. We were fearless and bold. And I applaud you for saying yes every time!" Katya ended her post: "Just as the nation thought Tony Adams couldn't get any greater, you did All THIS! You've outdone yourself showing what a phenomenal human being you are! A true legend! You showed that everyone deserves a chance, deserves to love and be loved. So you can now quickstep back to saving lives with an extra bounce in your step, extra sparkle and an occasional kick ball change! I will treasure this experience forever."
READ NEXT:
- BBC Strictly's Kym Marsh shares Graziano Di Prima's own tragedy that added to emotional dance as they celebrate making it to Blackpool
- BBC Strictly fans complain of sound issues as Meghan and Harry's wedding cellist performs
- BBC Strictly fans 'bawling their eyes out' over special tribute to the armed forces and the Queen on Remembrance Sunday
- ITV I'm A Celebrity viewers issue complaint just minutes into latest episode
- ITV I'm A Celebrity's Mike Tindall stuns viewers as he's brutally mocked by Ant and Dec
