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David Clark & Sonia Sharma

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dan Walker defends show with witty response to criticism

Former BBC presenter Dan Walker took to Twitter to defend Strictly Come Dancing after criticism from fans.

On Sunday, viewers were shocked to see Fleur East in the dance off after her performance with partner Vito Coppola scored 29 out of 40 from the judges. Walker, who spent over a decade at the BBC presenting Football Focus and Breakfast before moving to Channel 5, was quick to defend the show after fans expressed their anger online.

"Surprised by the # Strictly result but there is no need to start shouting about people 'needing to go'," Walker wrote on Twitter. "It’s always been a mix of those who can dance a bit and those who are learning from scratch and… it’s not a dancing competition… it’s an entertainment show!."

Read More: Strictly Come Dancing's Fleur East makes promise to fans as they 'call out' Shirley Ballas

One Twitter user replied to point out that "The show is called Strictly Come Dancing Dan" but Walker quickly fired back, replying: "I don’t see any ninja warriors on Ninja Warrior." Walker's response earned praise from social media users, with one replying to the 45-year-old: "You win the internet tonight for that point Dan."

Another quipped: "This is the tweet of the day @mrdanwalker really made me laugh." Walker wasn't the only one stunned by the Strictly results, with judge Craig Revel Horwood telling Fleur that he was utterly shocked to see her in the dance off and encouraged the star that she will be "great", reports the Daily Star.

Viewers were equally shocked, taking to Twitter to share their fury, with one writing: "W** Fleur and Vito! I rest my point about it being a fix #Strictly." A second said: "I'm sorry but how is Matt Goss safe? It's a fix", while a third added: "Why on earth are Fleur and Vito in the bottom?? They were brilliant. Fleur is a fricking amazing dancer. I’m both baffled and annoyed. What is wrong with people out there voting?"

Fleur was placed in the bottom two alongside Richie Anderson, who was paired up with last year's winner Giovanni Pernice. Ultimately Richie was the star who was sent home from the competition as judges Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all voted to save Fleur.

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