Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have voiced concern that judge Shirley Ballas is feuding with celebrity Layton Williams.
On Sunday, Irish television presenter Angela Scanlon became the ninth shock celebrity to be voted off from the show after facing a dance-off against West End star Williams.
Scanlon, 39, performed a Cha-cha-cha to Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive with her professional partner Carlos Gu.
Williams and partner Nikita Kuzmin danced an American Smooth to Björk’s It’s Oh So Quiet.
While judges Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood voted to save Williams, head judge Ballas said she would have saved Scanlon.
The judge, 63, said: “Well important for me always when it comes to Ballroom and Latin is the character of the dance, that it’s true to the dance, timing and quality and I would have voted for Angela and Carlos.”
Her words prompted some fans to think Ballas had something against Bad Education star Williams.
One Strictly viewer wrote online: “Between her comments last night and choosing to save Angela tonight, Shirley has an obvious personal problem with Layton and I won’t hear otherwise. I hope this won’t knock his confidence.”
Another said: “Bit worried about Layton with Shirley being the deciding judge. Smells a bit whiffy.”
Speaking as she was eliminated, Scanlon said: “It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience.
“I have made the best friend in this man (Carlos).
“We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy.
“He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there.
“My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends.”
Gu said she has worked “so hard” before adding: “Look at her now – I am so proud, her sense of humour and we had so much fun everyday – she cracks me up laughing.”
The results show also featured Scottish rock band Texas singing Inner Smile, a dance from professionals Vito Coppola and Luba Mushtuk and what the show described as “whodunnit-inspired routine” from Strictly’s dancers.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for a musicals special on Saturday December 2 at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
