Fuming Strictly viewers brand show a ‘fix’ after Paul Merson is axed in dance off
Date: 2024-10-21FUMING Strictly Come Dancing viewers have branded the show a ‘fix’ after the latest dance off axing.
Footballer Paul Merson and partner Karen Hauer were dumped from the contest after going head-to-head with a show favourite.
In a shocking dance-off, Paul found himself against JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Amy Dowden.
Fans and the judges alike were left gasping when it was revealed that JB, arguably one of the stronger dancers on the programme, would have to dance again for his place in the contest.
It meant that Paul’s fate was seemingly sealed having previously been forced into a dance-off alongside Toyah Wilcox.
But viewers are now coining the whole thing a ‘fix.’
One fan took to social media and said: “I think they just pick anyone to be in the dance off. The votes don’t mean anything at all. Waste of money. They have prob already decided who’s in the dance off. All fixed.â€
A second added: “They always say it’s about the dance off but it can’t have been because Paul was the better dancer in it so it seems like a fix.â€
And a third said: “They knew they’d save JB even though his jive was messy and boring. Paul has been brilliant to watch and should’ve been saved. What a fix.â€
Paul and Karen performed their routine, a Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce, but it wasn’t enough to win over the panel.
All four judges revealed they were in agreement in choosing to keep JB and axe sports star Paul following the dance-off.
As Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all agreed to save JB, Shirley Ballas‘ vote was not required but she admitted to show host Tess Daly that she would have also chosen to save JB.
As the news began to settle on their exit, Paul told Tess: “It’s been really good.
“For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show. It’s amazing – everybody.
Strictly Specials
- Movies Week – Each year the cast of dancers on the show perform spellbinding routines to an iconic movie soundtrack or hit song associated with the big-screen blockbusters. Previous films to have been featured include The Sound of Music, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Clueless.
- Musicals Week – In a similar vein to Movies, the cast perform routines inspired by hit stage musicals each year on the show.
- Halloween Week – Things take a seriously spooky turn as the show transforms into a haven for Halloween towards the end of October. With some bone-chilling costumes and sometimes terrifying routines, it proves to be a fan favourite week year-on-year.
- Blackpool Week – As the show hits Blackpool Tower, things get even more over-the-top. Huge props, backing dancers and extra special effects flood the ballroom for the extra special week.
“There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he’s nice! It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher.”
He went onto add of his pro partner Karen: “She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“I can dance now – I’ve won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and I can half dance now. It’s a bonus, absolute bonus.â€
Speaking to Paul, Karen then told him: “Absolutely, you’ve been a joy. I’ve never giggled this much.
“My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved.
“You’re what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles.â€
It means that the duo have just missed out on making it to Strictly’s famous Halloween week.
