BBC viewers have blasted the outcome of the first Strictly Come Dancing elimination of the series. On Sunday night, Strictly Come Dancing fans said goodbye to 24-year-old Tom Dean, who was the first to leave the show.
It comes after the judges were unable to reach a unanimous decision between Tom and actress Toyah Wilcox. With Anton Du Beke wanting to keep Tom, while Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Toyah, it was down to Shirley.
In the end, she decided to keep the 66-year-old, sending Tom home. However, viewers have been left furious with the decision as many have called the outcome a fix.
Taking to Twitter to air their frustrations, one person said: “Absolute fix. They obviously have some deal to give Neil more air time this year. Poor Tom. Not on at all.”
Another added: “Tom has been robbed!! Toyah was by far the worse dancer!!! Absolute Fix.”
Someone else wrote: “Jeez. First week and already a disgraceful decision. Wasn’t your fault Tom.”
“Totally disagree with the decision this evening. Tom was far better,” said another.
While one viewer commented: “Actually gutted Tom left #Strictly, his week 1 dance was the best of the night – the chemistry between the two of them was so good. Should not have been in the dance off.”
Before giving her verdict, Shirley applauded both performances before giving her reasonings.
She said: “I think both couples appeared a little bit nervous to start with and of course, this is our first dance-off.
“Both of them had some qualities, the first thing required as a dancer is timing and clarity. Both couples were a little bit in and out but one was a little bit more out than in, the same as what Motsi said.”
“Due to musicality and other things that I had to pick and getting out there, your life depending on it, I have to save Toyah and Neil.”
The 24-year-old contestant and his professional partner Nadiya were given a score of 23 this week for their Cha Cha, which put them ninth on the leaderboard.
In week one, the Olympian was given the same score for his Tango, which gave him a combined total of 46
Before taking to the dancefloor for a final time, he spoke to judge Tess Daly about his Strictly experience.
He said: “I’ve had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible. I wish I could have gone further and done more dances.”
“I’ve had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We’ll still go out for loads of brunches I’m sure.”
Although Tom’s time in the competition has come to an end, bookies have turned their attention to Chris McCausland, who has now become the favourite to win the show.
Chris and Dianne Buswell were awarded a total of 29 for their routine, which put them sixth on the leaderboard for week two.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Tasha may have topped the leaderboard, but punters adore Chris.
He has attracted the weight of money for the second week running and stands as the one to beat.”