STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have accused the show of being fixed after Kym Marsh found herself in the dance-off.
The former Coronation Street actress survived the tense showdown against Matt Goss, but viewers were furious she was at risk of an exit at all.
Kym Marsh survived the dance-off against Matt Goss
Kym’s appearance in the bottom two surprised fans
She had scored the fifth highest score on Saturday night with a very respectable 32.
One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Well I’m so done with #Strictly after tonight. I do not agree with the results I think fixed.”
Another said: “And some dreadful appalling competitors still get 7s & 8s…!!! ffs It’s so so Fixed to be a TV show it’s ruining it’s credibility!!!”
A third posted: “Matt Goss is SO lovely and didn’t deserve to go tonight. He’s miles better than Tony. Kym didn’t deserve to be in the dance off either. I’m sure it’s rigged.”
Matt became the third celebrity to sashay out of the Strictly ballroom.
SO STRONG
Strictly's Motsi Mabuse reveals torture at hands of South African dance teachers
Kym and pro partner Graziano Di Prima kicked off the dance battle with their Samba to Volare by Gipsy Kings.
After that, Matt and Nadiya – who had already been in the dance-off once before – did a Jive to Paul McCartney’s cover of Elvis classic, All Shook Up.
They then had to face the judges for the final vote, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke unanimously choosing to save Kym and Graziano.
However, they noted how much of an improvement both contestants made in the dance-off, with Craig saying: “I think both couples went up a major notch, I mean Matt you went fantastically mad in that, I loved it, and Kym you were really great in that.
“But the couple I would like to save is Kym and Graziano.”
By the time Anton delivered his verdict, the majority rules meant Shirley’s choice would’ve made no difference to the outcome, although she agreed with her fellow judges that Kym and Graziano should stay.
Anton, before cementing Matt’s fate, said: “I would just like to say you should both be thrilled with the way you performed in the dance off, it’s the most high-pressured of situations. Matt – that’s your best performance of the whole series, you should be really proud of yourself.”
As a result, the 80s legend was given his marching orders.
In an emotional goodbye, Matt told Tess Daly: “”It’s an extraordinary experience, I have been in America for 25 years. Thank you judges for your candour, you’ve helped me in many ways, my posture – Anton, I am more aware of it. This lovely lady beside me, a world champion with all the patience. I am very honoured to have danced with you.”
He then turned to the remaining contestants and said: “I love you guys, go smash it guys.”
An equally emotional Nadiya said of Matt: “I’m so grateful that I got to teach and dance with a music icon. But, more important than this, I got the privilege to get to know Matt, for who you really are.
“Not many people know you and you’re a beautiful soul, very kind human and a real gentleman.”
Next week, the remaining contestants will front a BBC Centenary special, which will honour shows past and present of the broadcaster over the last 100 years.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.
Matt paid tribute to “patient” Nadiya as they said goodbye to the series
