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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Strictly's Joanne Clifton slams judges for criticism over Tony Adams' performance

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton wasn't impressed by the show's low scoring of Tony Adams' latest efforts.

The former Arsenal footballer, 56, received just 18 points after his attempt to showcase his sexy samba to Full Monty classic, You Sexy Thing.

The ex-England star took to the dance floor on Saturday wearing a security guard's uniform in homage to the 1997 hit comedy. Part way through his performance he hilariously ripped off his clothes to reveal a pair of pink socks which were held up by suspenders. He also showed off a jazzy pair of glittery red shorts.

The routine left the audience cheering on their feet, with viewers at home praising his efforts – including former teammate Ray Parlour and Culture Club's Boy George – while judges even seemingly enjoyed the performance.

Tony Adams and Katya Jones during the live show of Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

The usually critical Craig Revel Horwood was left speechless by the act saying: "OMG". Meanwhile, while Shirley told Tony he had a "good pelvic roll".

Anton Du Beke also claimed he felt he would be partnered with the sports personality if he was still dancing.

However, despite the fun comments, the judges' scoring left him propping up the table with partner Katya Jones as they received just 18 points.

Ex-strictly pro Joanne Clifton has stuck up for Tony Adams (bbc)

And now Joanne – who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2016 – has reacted while speaking to Rylan Clark on It Takes Two. Speaking on Monday, she said: "I'm going to be controversial here.

"The entertainment value of this dance was so big, it was so powerful... and I don't think the judges were fair. They wanted samba, and they want bounce – there was bounce – there was hips."

Despite the judges' scores, Tony avoided facing the dreaded dance off, with Fleur East and Richie Anderson instead performing again to try to save their spot in next week's show.

Richie and Giovanni discussed their exit (BBC)

Richie and last year's winning professional, Giovanni Pernice, were given the boot but the decision for who was in the bottom two also received intense criticism.

Despite the outcome, tearful Richie acknowledged he knew every Saturday ‘could be the last time’ and said he totally accepted the result.

He said: “Every dance I’ve ever done, it might not have been technically perfect, but I’ve always gone out there and given it 110 percent. All you can do is hope it’s enough.“

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