Footballing legend Tony Adams' time on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has come to an abrupt end and there's been a mixed reaction from fans. The star bowed out on Sunday, November 13, after an injury.
Paired with professional dancer Katya Jones, the 56-year-old made the decision to exit the competition prior to the dance off after the pair found themselves in the bottom two. They were set to face a dance off with Tyler West and Dianne Buswell.
Show host Tess Daley explained to viewers: "Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance off and has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means there will be no dance off tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool."
Explaining the move to fans, Tony took to Twitter. He wrote: "There comes a point when you can no longer ignore medical advice, and very sadly my point came tonight. Sorry I couldn’t dance off against my friend @TylerWestt, but thank you thank you to ALL @bbcstrictly who made this into an unbelievable joyful, tough and exhilarating 8 weeks."
He followed up: "I will miss you all. And, well I have no words for @Mrs_katjones. She is my absolute rock, queen, nemesis, HERO. I love her to bits. Keep dancing. Tomorrow I’ll be getting the leaf blower out and back to normality. With sequins."
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The Arsenal legend and pro dancer Katya have been a huge hit with viewers and fans soon reacted to the news. However, it was a mixed response with some questioning the reason.
Some people applauded Tony's time on the hit BBC show saying: "You were fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed seeing you dance and improve every week. And well done for speaking about mental health and addiction, it's so important people like you encourage men to speak up and ask for help." Another said: " My daughters have loved watching you on strictly and my youngest was in floods this evening. Well done on doing an amazing job, looking forward to seeing you again later in the series." A third added: "You’ve been incredible!! You and @Mrs_katjones brought us so much joy week in week out. We loved watching you both made us smile lots and lots".
Comments continued: "You did a bloody good job and it’s been a pleasure watching you dance. Be proud of what you achieved!" Another said: "Massive love and respect for #TonyAdams his honesty and love for life following addiction is humbling #MentalHealthAwareness"
However, not everyone was so understanding and many had questions. "Why go through the charade of letting the judges tell him what he needs to do to get through the dance off? At what point after that did he get injured? #Strictly", said one fan. Another joined in: "Fair play to Tony, did what every self respecting footballer does to try and avoid humiliation - feign an injury".
Comments continued: "#BBC Strictly Tony Adams injury? Or did he choose to withdraw? Come on, if he quit, then just say so - no shame in it?! Another added: "Bowing out undefeated, what else would you expect from Mr Arsenal?"
"Is it coincidence that @TonyAdams was in dance off when @Arsenal were playing during voting last night? Took their eye off the ball? #BBCStrictly #Strictly #TonyAdams", wrote another.
BBC DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles waded in on the debate: "Can I just point out to all of you getting your knickers in a twist & saying unpleasant things about #TonyAdams or his dancing @bbcstrictly He’s brave enough to try, lives in my village, is a lovely guy AND has family & kids & maybe u might think about them before you tweet?"
- Strictly Come Daning airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One
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