Craig Revel-Horwood prompted gasps of disgust from Strictly contestants and professional dancers for what unimpressed viewers dubbed his 'mean' score for AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington.
Having topped the leaderboard last week with a score of 39 for their Charleston, odds on AJ and Kai winning this year's show were slashed, putting them at second favourites behind Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
They were hoping to maintain their own high standard on Saturday night with a Paso Doble. However, when many Strictly fans hoped and predicted it would be 'their dance,' the reality was somewhat different.
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All of the judges picked fault with various aspects of the routine, but it was Craig who was most critical telling AJ she was "pedestrian" throughout the performance and saying that her Spanish lines needed a lot of work.
Craig's criticisms were reflected in his score. But, while viewers at home were slightly let down by what they saw, they struggled to comprehend how Craig could only award it a 6.
The mood on Twitter was reflected in the studio to with gasps and boos sounding out as Craig held us his paddle.
AJ and Kai faired slightly better with Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas both giving a 7 and Anton Du Beke being the kindest on them with an 8.
Viewers were smarting with Craig online long after he scored a 6. One tweeted: "Howwah man, Craig. Six is silly. #Strictly poor AJ and Kai," and in firm agreement, another posted: "Too harsh marking of AJ and Kai. Craig, in particular, constantly undermarks her. A 6 it was not"
A third reacted: "throwing all my votes at AJ and Kai this week… 6?! SHUTTAPPPP CRAIG," but another viewer agreed with Craig, tweeting: "Couldn't agree more with Craig there, really disappointed with AJ & Kai there"
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