Strictly Come Dancing fans have claimed judges made the wrong decision after the sixth celebrity was voted off the BBC dance competition.
Angela Rippon, 79, performed a waltz with partner Kai Widdrington, while Adam Thomas, 35, and partner Luba Mushtuk danced a Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott
All four judges, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabusi and Craig Revel Horwood, opted to save Rippon, the show’s oldest-ever contestant, with Du Beke calling the head-to-head “the closest dance off we’ve had in the series so far”.
Du Beke said he has found his previous choices “easy so far”, adding: “This has been the most difficult. Obviously very different styles of dance, but danced them very well, but with the content and clarity of the technique I’m going to have to save Angela and Kai.”
Revel Horwood and Mabuse agreed with Du Beke, calling the decision “tough”.
This did not sit right with viewers however, who took to X to vent their frustration.
"Only caught the dance off this weeks #Strictly and it was clearly the wrong decision?" fumed one person.
"Sorry, wrong decision," agreed a second. "Adam had a lot of potential to keep getting better, his scores have been consistently climbing. Angela is great, especially considering her age, but she has a lot of experience, and realistically she won't get any better than she is now".
While a third added: "No hate to Angela at all because I think she is getting too much negativity from people. But I do think Adam danced better in the dance off.
"Angela's waltz was very jumpy. Sorry, but I think the judges made the wrong decision."
Former Waterloo and Emmerdale actor Thomas didn't seem to hold any ill will.
Speaking about his exit, Thomas praised his “seven incredible weeks” on the show, saying: “What a journey it’s been. I honestly thought I was leaving in week two and the fact that I’ve got this far I’m so proud of myself.
“I’ve had an amazing time from start to finish. I came here to learn how to dance and I’ve learned so much more about myself. The confidence and self-belief I now have in myself, it’s out of this world I have to thank all these guys up here. What a bunch to be on this journey with. I’m just very, very lucky!”
He continued: "I know my kids are at home now probably crying, it’s OK – Daddy’s IJ! I just wanted to teach my kids that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about taking part and doing your best."
