Being on Strictly Come Dancing does not come without its wardrobe malfunctions as professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin found out. He is partnered with Paralympic champion Ellie Simmons and the pair came under fire from the judges for their 'illegal' lift on Saturday, October 22.
Ellie and Nikita danced the paso doble to The Apprentice theme tune as Strictly Come Dancing celebrated 100 years of the BBC, although viewers were left underwhelmed, read more here. At one point during their dramatic dance, Ellie was lifted off a table by Nikita.
But this move was deemed "illegal" by judge Craig Revel Horwood and was criticised by fellow judge Shirley Ballas. After hearing the judges' comments eagle-eyed viewers noticed Nikita was then missing from the set during the rest of the show, as the Manchester Evening News reports.
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One person Tweeted: "Anyone know if @nikita__kuzmin is ok haven't seen him on set all night." However, Nikita explained his absence was due to a wardrobe malfunction during the dance. Replying to the comment he said: "Just ripped my pants because of this paso [crying laughing emojis]. So had to get them sown for the 3rd time! Thank you," adding a red heart.
Many viewers were not impressed with the judges' comments about the lift, as they said Ellie would have struggled to get off the table without the lift. One said: "I don’t understand the comment about the illegal lift. How else was Ellie supposed to get off the table?" Another added: "How was Ellie supposed to get off the table!!!!! She needed assistance, they have adapted the routine for her. Usual rubbish from the judges. #Strictly."
Since the show Ellie has taken to her Instagram to thank fans for their support. In a simple message, she said: "Thank you ever so much for the love and support". Nikita also thanked their fans, he said: "Big thanks to all of you for all your lovely messages, support and all the love that you're sending us...LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU!"
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