Shirley Ballas has posted a cryptic message after some Strictly Come Dancing fans called for her to be sacked.
The head judge, 62, sparked outrage when she said she would have saved Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice instead of Fleur East and Vitto Coppola in the dance-off on Sunday.
Shirley also ruffled feathers with her critique of Ellie Taylor.
However, the Queen of Latin has now appeared to clap back, posting on Instagram : "Some people aren't loyal to you, they are loyal to their need of you. Once their need changes, so does their loyalty."
Fans were incensed by Shirley after the show on the weekend, with many taking to social media to call for her to be removed from the Strictly judging panel.
One said: "Shirley Ballas should be removed from the panel," with another adding: "I'm sorry, but can the producers replace Shirley next year?"
While a third mused: "Done my Strictly catch up and all I can say is: does someone want to have a word with Shirley???"
Even professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin seemed to call out the judge after her harsh criticism towards Ellie Taylor on Saturday night's show.
Shirley criticised the comedienne, 38, for her heel leads as she danced with Johannes Radebe.
However, while Ellie T received severe criticism for her heel leads, Ellie S appeared to be let off for her performance – with Nikita pointing out the 'discrepancy' to host Claudia Winkleman.
Following their critique, the dancer said: "Just a little bit confused because Shirley said previously to Ellie T that there must be everything right with the feet in the ballroom," as the comedienne clapped in the background.
Nikita's comment seemed to suggest he felt he and Ellie S had not been penalised for their dance – despite facing the same issue with their footwork.
Fans loved the drama, with one tweeting: "NOT NIKITA CALLING OUT SHIRLEY ON HER CRITICISM OF HEEL LEADS FROM ELLIE TAYLOR AND PRAISE OF THEM FOR ELLIE SIMMONDS I am deceased #Strictly."
Another added: "nikita calling out shirley has made my night." [sic]
Despite the awkwardness with Shirley, both couples live to dance another day as they look forward to strutting their stuff on Saturday's show.
But they've got some stiff competition.
TV presenter Tyler West and his dance partner Dianne Buswell scored the highest on the weekend, bagging an impressive 38 out of 40 for their lively Charleston.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One at 6.30pm
