BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans divided as some cry 'joke' following latest dance-off

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left divided as some went against the judge's latest decision following the dance-off. The remaining nine couples in the competition were fighting for their place in the competition and a spot in Blackpool's Tower Ballroom next weekend.

It was Shayne Ward and his professional dance partner Nancy Xu who fell short of making it to the annual special next Saturday (November 16) in the seaside town's iconic venue after becoming the seventh couple to leave the BBC One dance contest on Sunday night (November 10).

The news of the pair landing in the bottom two after they performed the notoriously difficult rumba, which they performed to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, in week eight of Strictly's 2024 run on Saturday night (November 9).

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They faced Wynne Evans and Katya Jones in the dreaded dance-off, with the couple having to reprise their American smooth to Grace Kelly by Mika to keep their place in Strictly's 20th-anniversary series.

After both couples performed again, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse wanted to save Shayne and Nancy while Anton Du Beke voted to keep Wynne and Katya in the show. Head judge Shirley Ballas had the final say, however, and she eliminated Shayne and Nancy from the competition.

Reflecting on the experience, Shayne, 40, said: "I just want to say, you guys up there (the other contestants) are a dream. Every single day, coming in here and seeing you guys, you helped me so much. I want to say thank-you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I’ve ever done.

"I’m proud that I made it to eight weeks as a novice dancer. A massive thank-you goes to this incredible human right next to me (Xu), who has put so much fire in me and made me believe that I can actually achieve more if I let myself go. I’m sorry it didn’t work out to the end, but I’m super proud that I got to meet you (Xu) and dance with you, so thank-you."

And fans were quick to react to the news. @laurab10x said: "Wtf, how could they save... I reckon they want him to get to Blackpool just like Angela Rippon last year!! It’s a FIX!!" @AnneSheppa31591 commented: "Absolute joke.. Shirley hang your head in Shame.. even xfactor went to public vote if a 2/2 decision.. fix..." @MyGift1994 wrote: "Really don’t understand Strictly Come Dancing. Craig & Motsi save Shayne Anton saves Wynne So Shirley as head judge saves Wynne Rubbish outcome Shayne had more to give."

But @slinehan1 posted: "The Wynne haters are going to be mad about this, but I agree with the result." @Cazcharl1 shared: "It’s an absolute disgrace (whilst I stand here with arms folded)… seriously I love wynne and so happy he’s staying. He’s just having a good time and so he should." @Paulie9461 added: "I'm glad Wynne was saved as my favourite professional is Katya.. that smile lights up my TV every week."