Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas were eliminated from tonight's show
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans cry 'fix' as elimination leaves them 'horrified'

by · Manchester Evening News

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left in shock as EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was eliminated from the competition, losing out to Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe in the dance-off. With only seven couples remaining, Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill topped the leaderboard after their performances, including the much-anticipated return of the danceathon.

However, it was Jamie and Pete Wicks who found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard, leaving fans baffled as Pete managed to avoid the dance-off for another week. Disgruntled viewers took to Twitter to express their disbelief, with one tweeting: "WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly."

Another added: "Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly", while a third wrote: "Who keeps voting for Pete? He is the worst of the lot, why do people keep voting him in. Montell and Johannes and Jamie and Michelle in the bottom two? Awful result #Strictly."

READ MORE:BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers issue same JB Gill and Lauren Oakley complaint as Amy Dowden supports them

A fourth viewer commented: "Absolutely HORRIFIC dance off - can the public please get a grip #Strictly. While a fifth wrote: ", and a fifth asked: "#Strictly who tf is voting for Pete? ! Montell vs Jamie should never be a dance-off."

A sixth viewer shared: "Gutted. Ain't no way Jamie deserves to be in the bottom this week, he was absolutely brilliant. Sometimes the British public get it SO wrong and this is one of those times," reports the Mirror.

Another viewer added: "If Pete is so shocked and bothered to still be in, then quit. Stop costing better dancers their place in the competition #Strictly."

However, there were supporters for Pete as well, with one fan stating: "you're going to hate me for this, but i kinda love pete, i literally love them all and don't want any of them to go from this point onwards #Strictly."

Strictly aired a shock exit this week

Another posted: "I can't help but love Pete and Jowita and their reactions, I know Pete is not the best (we all know it) but I'm still so happy for him #Strictly."

Tonight, Jamie spoke of the magic of Strictly as he made his departure, and heaped praise on dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas.

"Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show.

"I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time," he said.

Pete made it through to next week

He also poured praise on his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas: "I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle].

"She's a new pro and she's absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn't believe.

"I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you."

Michelle expressed her admiration, saying: "I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week.

A gracious Jamie had nothing but praise for Michelle
(Image: PA)

"He's worked so hard to get to where he is. It's my first year with a partner and I've realised that it's so much more than just the dancing, it's the bonds and the friendships that you make.

"I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way."

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