Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has defended Dan Walker amid 'fix' claims.
Fans have been left puzzled how the BBC Breakfast host has continued to keep his place on the BBC One show and avoid a dance off, whilst popular contestants such as Tom Fletcher and Adam Peaty have already exited the programme.
But AJ has rushed to Dan's defence, insisting he has "improved each week" and taken on the notes given to him each time.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror in conjunction with William Hill, AJ said: "Nobody has done themselves an injustice, everyone has done themselves proud.
"I think certain people said at the weekend, Dan got a four from Craig but I was like - Dan's improved each week, he's taken constructive criticism."
He added: "He's quite clearly enjoying himself and at the end of the day, is he entertaining to watch? Well the people at home have been voting for him."
If he was on the show this year, AJ would love to have danced with Rose Ayling-Ellis - after he backed her and Giovanni to win the show. He said he felt "emotionally and physically" moved by the dance.
He added: "Rose would be amazing [to be partnered with] but she's too tall for me. Tilly Ramsay would make sense.
"To be able to dance with Tilly would be amazing and to really work on her ballroom and her standing leg. She's got a gorgeous neckline, a gorgeous position and she tells a story."
"I would love to dance more ballroom with her, remove all the gimmicks and just dance competitive ballroom because she can do it," he shared of his wish for Tilly - who is dancing with Nikita Kuzmin this year.
Dan had previously took to social media to beg viewers "not to shout at him" as he made it through another week.
He wrote: "Please don’t shout at me. I’m having an amazing time, my kids are delighted & it’s only a TV show! For those asking, I don’t know who is voting for us (probably not Craig) but we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who is. See you next week. Can’t wait."
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood famously decided to score him and Nadiya a four for their American Smooth on Saturday night.
* AJ Pritchard was speaking to The Mirror in conjunction with William Hill.
