Many Strictly Come Dancing viewers were furious after Catherine Tyldesley became the
The former Coronation Street star and her professional partner Johannes Radebe were given their marching orders after a dance-off against Mike Bushell and his partner Katya Jones.
The actress found herself in the bottom two on Sunday's results show, after the judges' scores were combined with the results of the viewers' votes.
Both couples performed their routines again, with Catherine and Johannes taking on a Cha-Cha to Scared Of The Dark by Steps, and Mike and Katya dancing a tango to What You Waiting For by Gwen Stefani.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Mike and Katya as he thought they "really stepped it up a notch", while both Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli opted to keep Catherine and Johannes in the competition.
But head judge Shirley Ballas had the deciding vote and chose to save Mike and Katya.
However, viewers reacted in anger to the shock decision, with many taking to Twitter, reports the M.E.N.
One said: "Was Shirley watching a different dance!!!!! Bring back Len".
Another tweeted: "How ridiculous to get rid of Catherine and Johannes".
And Steph said: "How on earth did a man who walks around the dance floor beat a woman who is actually trying to dance? Shirley Ballas? Really?"
But some defended the head judge, with one saying: "I'm seeing loads of people saying @ShirleyBallas is the worst judge ever. shes doing the best she can possibly do and people are attacking her for it. leave her alone she doesn't deserve all this hate."
Making her decision, Shirley, from Wallasey, said: “Well, I thought both couples really stepped it up a notch and this is always the most difficult decision for me, but based on a good focus, difficult content, with some really beautiful footwork in there with stronger technical skills for me, cleaner and polished. I’m going to save Mike and Katya.”
Catherine, 36, paid tribute to professional dancer Johannes for 'changing her life' as she departed the dancefloor.
"He’s like my best friend," she said.
"Just the opportunity to work with amazing people and get critiqued off amazing people.
"I never thought I’d say this, I’m going to keep it up because I fell in love with it.
"I’ve loved every second, this man has changed my life.”
And Johannes said: "Most of all, I want to say thank you to this woman.
"She has been a light for me. Thank you for accepting me for who I am and for showing me joy every day.
"Thank you."
