BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'fix' row erupts as fans fume 'get a grip' after latest elimination

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left fuming by a shock exit for Jamie Borthwick during tonight's episode of the BBC show

Tonight, Strictly Come Dancing fans were left stunned to find out EastEnders legend Jamie Borthwick would be dancing out of the ballroom for the last time, having lost in the dance-off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe.

There were just seven couples left in the competition, with Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill both placed at the top of the leaderboard after last night's performances - including the return of the danceathon.

However, it was Jamie and Pete Wicks that ended up towards the bottom of the leaderboard, with fans left puzzled tonight as Pete survived another week without even being in the dance-off.

Angry fans took to Twitter to vent their thoughts, with one writing: "WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly."

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

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

A sixth 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," with a seventh adding: "If Pete is so shocked and bothered to still be in, then quit. Stop costing better dancers their place in the competition #Strictly."

However, some fans backed Pete. One wrote: "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," as another wrote: "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.

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

*Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.05pm next Saturday.