STRICTLY fans have demanded its Russian dancers are AXED as they remain silent over the Ukraine invasion.
Professionals Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuk have chosen not to comment on the horror being inflicted by Russian president Vladimir Putin.
But now viewers are demanding they condemn the war – or be booted off the TV show.
A Strictly fan said: “Unless Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuk roundly condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, they should be let go from performing on Strictly.
“It’s untenable otherwise that they should be allowed to continue.”
The Celeb Report revealed last week the dancers have been told by their co-stars: “Condemn the war or don’t come back”.
Read More on The Celeb Report
Two of the other pros — Nikita Kuzmin, 24, and Nadiya Bychkova, 32 — are Ukrainian.
Nikita yesterday hit out his Russian friends in the dance world who refuse to voice their opinion on the invasion.
Some of the dancers have claimed it would be in “bad taste” if they remain in the competition.
A source on Strictly said: “Tensions are high and there’s a lot of strong feeling about this.
“Some of the dancers would want producers to make a decision and say ‘You can’t come back for the next series’.”
Ex-Strictly professional James Jordan previously urged Russian dancers to speak out in defence of Ukraine.
He bluntly wrote: “I don’t see many of the Russian dancers I know and have shared the Strictly dance floor with, speaking out about the war against Ukraine.
“But they are still promoting themselves on social media.
“Very disappointed, they know who they are.”
He was criticised him by Strictly’s current head judge Shirley Ballas, 61.
She re-posted his message with the politely-worded comment: “Dear James. Not sure who you follow and who follows you but many dancers I know have retweeted in support of the Ukraine and have felt shame at their own government, lots of help for their fellow dancers.
“Lots have spoken out and retweeted.”
Not letting things lie, he replied: “We clearly are talking about different dancers then 
”
Shirley then wrote: “It’s heartbreaking but in our Russian Ukraine dance community the support has been overwhelming.
“Sadness, tears, massive help and support. I don’t know any one who has not reached out from the very top dancer to the beginners. Xxx hugs.”
Katya and Luba, both 32 and both born in St Petersburg, are said to be unaware of the grumblings among their colleagues.
A spokesman for the BBC previously declined to comment.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://thecelebreport.com/television/where-are-the-past-masterchef-uk-winners-now
