STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Rhys Stephenson has defended the show’s host Tess Daly after cruel trolls accused her of “talking to him like a baby”.
The 28-year-old star and his professional dance partner Nancy Xu appeared on Lorraine this morning after surviving Sunday night’s dance off for a spot in this weekend’s quarter finals.
Rhys was overcome with emotion after their waltz to Whitney Houston’s You Light Up My Life, bursting into tears as they made their way over to the judges.
Seeing the CBBC presenter break down, 52-year-old Tess attempted to comfort him – but was dubbed “patronising” by those watching at home.
Lorraine asked Rhys how he felt about the comments – and he insisted that he wasn’t offended by the way Tess treated him.
He explained: “No-one had seen me like that and I think Tess just wanted to really be a comfort to me in that moment.
“I think some people might have read it wrong but I totally knew where Tess was coming from, and I appreciate that.”
He added: “And I love gentleness, so for me there was no problem.”
On the show, Tess had gushed: “Awh come on darling. Oh Rhys, come over here sweetheart. Are you crying?
“Are you having a little cry? I know you were so nervous, I know you were really nervous and you really wanted to do well.”
Trying to wipe away his tears, Rhys apologised as he admitted that the situation was “embarrassing”.
Acknowledging Rhys’ previous stints in the bottom two, Tess went on: “You don’t want to be in that dance off again, do you? Not at all.”
Viewers called the moment “uncomfortable” and “condescending”, flocking to Twitter to share their reaction.
One had written: “Oh come on now Tess, Rhys isn’t 5!! He danced beautifully & all we can hear at the end is you”.
Another echoed: “That was uncomfortable to witness. Why did Tess feel the need to speak to Rhys like he was 6 years old?
“He’s a grown man, not her infant child.”
One more agreed: “Tess talking to Rhys like he’s just fell off the climbing frame and bruised his knee.”
Unfortunately, Rhys and Nancy did end up in the dance off again, but survived to boogie another day after the judges sent home Tilly Ramsay instead.
