Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Strictly hit with ANOTHER racism row after Fleur East lands in third dance-off

Strictly has been hit with yet another racism row after Fleur East found herself in the bottom two yet again.

The former X Factor star, 35, and partner Vito Coppola impressed the judges with her Rumba to Too Lost In You by Sugababes, which saw them score 35 out of 40.

Despite sitting at the middle of the leaderboard, they found themselves in the dance-off with Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe.

Even though they were voted through by the judges, viewers were not happy that Fleur failed to garner enough votes to avoid the dance-off.

One fumed: "Yet another year where it feels like there is racism in the voting for #Strictly."

Fleur and Vito landed in the bottom two again tonight (PA)

While another commented: "So tired of the low-key racism putting Fleur & Vito once again in the bottom two. I mean, get a life, people. #Strictly."

A third raged: "racist #strictly voting in full force tonight."

Ellie and Johannes scored just 25 for their performance to Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, with Craig Revel Horwood giving them just a five for the dance.

After both couples danced for a second time, the judges voted who to save.

Ellie and Johannes left Strictly this evening (PA)

First up had been Craig, who chose to save Fleur and Vito "based purely on the technique alone", while Motsi Mabuse also chose to save Fleur and Vito.

“First of all I would like to say that both couples performed really really well, also for me the technical aspect was very important, so I’m going to save Fleur and Vito," she said.

Finally, Anton also chose to save Fleur and Vito, explaining: "Well I’d just like to say congratulations to both couples for getting this far into the competition.

The couple went up against Fleur and Vito (PA)

"Both danced marvellously. I thought Ellie danced a great performance in your Jive. And Fleur I thought your technique was strong and you performance was powerful, and I’d like to save Fleur and Vito.”

Shirley also confirmed that she would have saved Fleur and Vito.

Ellie and Johannes missed out on Friday's quarterfinal (BBC/Guy Levy)

Afterwards, Ellie shared her happiness over being part of Strictly this year, saying: "It has and it’s been, I’m going to be a cliché machine now, buts it’s been everything and more. I never in a million years expected to be in for this long and to experience it so fully."

She added: "Strictly is about dancing but it’s also about the people, and every part of this show from the top to bottom, from the Execs to the make-up, to the hair to the costumes, to the sets to the band, to my fellow celebs and the dancers - even some of the judges have been alright! It’s been an absolute privilege to become part of the Strictly alumni and I’ve really really loved it."

Paying tribute to Johannes, Ellie said: "We’ve had so much fun. And to borrow an Anton-ism, let me tell you about you Johannes Radebe. You [Johannes] are as wonderful as everyone said you would be, and I’ve said you’re like human sunshine and you really really are.

"You see people and you saw me, at every point. I have been so worried and so out of my comfort zone and so self-conscious and so weird and you have said “embrace your weird Ellie”.

"You’ve done it so full-heartedly and without judgement. It’s been an absolute privilege to dance with you JoJo, I don’t know what runs through your body but it’s not blood, it’s rhythm and it’s music, and to watch you perform is incredible.”

Offering his own words to Ellie, Johannes said: "Oh my goodness - it’s been a pleasure, treasure, that’s our thing. Ellie Taylor, moving forward, embrace your weird! Embrace your long limbs, because you are one gorgeous person. So thank you for everything, you know my heart, thank you.”

*Strictly returns next Friday on BBC One

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.