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Alex Evans

Strictly's Helen Skelton has wardrobe malfunction but fans say Shirley Ballas 'hates' her after shocking score

Strictly star Helen Skelton had a slight blunder in her 'dark' second dance with Gorka Marquez on Sunday night's Strictly - but it was Shirley Ballas' comments that drew the most attention.

The Winter on the Farm star danced her second dance of the semi-final with pro partner Gorka after a week in which the pair spent time on the farm in Yorkshire for Helen Skelton's 'main' job before preparing for their dances on the BBC show.

Helen Skelton had a slight wardrobe malfunction in the second dance - not the first tonight after Will's - but it was Shirley's comments which set off viewers.

Read More: Strictly Helen Skelton's romantic first dance with Gorka

Tess Daly asked Helen Skelton at the end of the dance: "Is your dress okay? I know it got caught a little in your heel?"

Helen nodded before the judges gave their comments, as it didn't seem to have put Helen off her dance too badly.

Craig Revel Horwood gave some criticisms before adding: "Forget everything I've just said, it was amazing".

Shirley said: "There was many things in there that I liked, but the Argentine Tango is also built on a silhouette. That means when you hit your line down to the floor, and you look up towards Gorka, I should definitely not see that anything's collapsing.

"Once maybe you can forgive it. Three or four times is unacceptable in the semi final.

Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez on Strictly on Sunday (BBC)

"On the other hand, the lovely looking towards Gorka and the intensity of what you do. I like that.

"But I've said since week one, posture posture and more posture. So for me that was a key element. But a good performance, well done."

Anto Du Beke said: "I felt a frisson, I rather liked it. It had intensity it had everything I'd want. What I enjoy most about your dance is the clarity of everything. I like to be able to read everything and I can do that with you. I liked your line, I thought your line was terrific. I liked your intensity with Gorka, it's so much improved I can't tell you, it's stratospheric. This kind of 'dark dance' is right up your street my love."

After the dance, speaking to Claudia Winkleman in her area, Helen said: "I was terrified of this, everyone was like 'be intense, look at him!'

"I dragged Gorka along to the farm which was so much fun because there was a ram that had its eyes on him and he didn't even have his shirt open!"

Shirley Ballas criticised Helen Skelton (BBC)

Gorka added: "I don't know how she even manages to sleep. She never stops, she's up at 6 in the morning, she's still always smiling and happy to be here."

The judges gave the pair 9/10/8/10 for a total of 37.

And many thought Helen was underscored.

@Scddeveraux said: "SHIRLEY GAVE HELEN 8? EIGHT??? RIDICULOUS #strictly"

@nanaravers said: "Strictly marking crazy tonight. Fleur’s feet+ landings all over the shop gets 10s. Helen does great Argentine tango + gets a measly 8 by Shirley"

@michaela_jayne said: "I love Helen and for me she’s what’s strictly all about and she’s my winner, she’s improved from week one and she just keeps getting better and better for me it’s seeing her confidence grow and her enjoying dancing #Strictly"

@emeobrien said: "@HelenSkelton absolutely smashed it. Loved this dance. If Helen and Gorka are not in the #StrictlyFinal something has gone wrong."

@milliesansoye said: "Gorka is about to take a shot at Helen’s ex, I just know it #Strictly"

@mayce_windu said: "This has to be the first time I have ever seen Shirley give a lower score than Craig. Why does she HATE Helen ?"

@mrs_jpatterson said: "8?! What on earth. Talk about undermarked. Helen’s Argentine Tango should’ve never been below a 9. #Strictly"

@sarramanning said: "Helen can do no wrong in my eyes. Shirley gets so needlessly picky with some contestants then not others who deserve it more. #Strictly"

@honestj1316 said: "Shirley marking Helen down again. Why? She's jealous of capable women. #Strictly"

@missblanchefury said: "Shirley doesn’t want Will and Helen in the final, simple."

If you cannot see the poll below, click here

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Sunday, December 11.

Strictly It Takes Two returns every weekday on BBC2.

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