Shirley Ballas has issued a direct message to viewers of Strictly Come Dancing after she was hit with backlash following the latest instalment of the BBC dance contest.
During Movie Week, BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice and Fleur East and Vito Coppola found themselves in the dreaded-dance off. Both couples had to reprise their week three routines in a bid to stay in the competition, with Richie and Giovanni performing their samba to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King before singer and Hits Radio presenter Fleur and Vito re-performed their American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid.
Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse all chose to save Fleur and Vito, who had been early favourites to lift the glitterball. This meant they had won the majority vote, sending Richie and Strictly's reigning champion Giovanni home in the second dance-off of the series.
But when host Tess Daly asked head judge Shirley Ballas for her decision, as is customary, she shocked viewers as she said she would have saved Richie and Giovanni. Queen of Latin Shirley said: "Well with the two couples the public put in the bottom two I would have saved Richie and Giovanni.”
While Tess pointed out: "Of course it makes no difference to the result," many fans of the hit show were fuming, with some calling for Shirley to be replaced. But she has since hit back, calling for respect in a message shared on Twitter and to her Instagram Story. "I have received many apologies over the weekend regarding hurtful messages I’ve received on social media," she typed. "All apologies are accepted and from now on let’s all respect each other and enjoy the show. Love to you all" she added followed by a red heart emoji.
And some fans replied to Shirley's tweet to send her messages of support. @joyceJo49834475 said: "Some of the comments were disgraceful, I'm pleased to hear you have getting many apologies. There is no need for insults & abuse, you are doing the job you have trained for many years in & you are the expert Shirley."
@JosephW56899440 wrote: "The show is brilliant as you are Shirley keeeeeeep dancing." @DawnMitford7 commented: "I'm glad people apologised to you. Social media is rubbish sometimes. Your dress was gorgeous on Saturday by the way. You looked stunning." @HoneyMitchells replied: "Keep doing what you’re doing you’re amazing shirley." @MarySte06853494 added: "Words spoken like a professional Shirley."
Others, however, found her response 'bizarre'. @katiephipps said: "She doesn't deserve hate or abuse, of course, but some FAIR judging and criticisms need to be enforced from now on. Every contestant must be treated the same." @Rachael_Firth commented: "Such a bizarre tweet. No acknowledgment of the criticisms. The only tweet on the subject. Suggesting people on social media say ‘hurtful’ things then just apologise without intervention. (I mean, sure). An offer of forgiveness?"
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
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