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Lucy Leeson

Fuming fans claim Helen Skelton and 'tearful' Gorka Marquez were 'robbed' in Blackpool show-stopper

Angry Strictly fans claim Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez were 'robbed' on Saturday night after their performance on week nine of the competition in Blackpool.

Despite the couple leaving some of the judge's speechless on Saturday night with their show-stopper, viewers were outraged when they failed to secure a perfect 40 out of 40.

The couple danced a Quickstep to Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse's version of Valerie and had the whole audience on their feet with their incredible performance. They scored 39 out of 40.

Read more: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton says she's starting to see 'the real her again' after Richie Myler marriage split

It was judge Craig Revel Horwood who gave them a 9 on the night. Twitter user @rnightfever said: "You were robbed tonight. Deserved a 40. Can't believe Craig gave Fleur a 10 and not you.

User @Paigesheehy2 said: "@HelenSkelton completely robbed of that 40 too. So disappointing #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly." @Starlet03 added: "Should of been a 40. Fantastic dance! #Strictly."

The three other judges all scored Helen and Gorka a perfect 10. Judge Anton Du Beke said: "We come to Blackpool for that very reason, the reaction from the crowd. You were amazing. Your footwork was exceptional.

Motsi Mabuse added: "It was everything I asked for. It had a 10 in every element of that dance. It was the best Quickstep ever."

Shirley Ballas struggled for words. She said: "Helen, how you have grown is beyond me. You have left me speechless. It was absolutely superb."

Helen then admitted to Claudia Winkleman that she "thought her legs were going to fall off" given how quick the dance was. Her face was grinning as she said: "I came into this to have some fun and enjoy it.

"As an adult you don't take those moments of pure joy. I have been cantering around the studio and just loving it. Tonight has been a lovely moment and I will be forever grateful."

It was at this point that Gorka was seen wiping his eyes. Helen asks "are you sweating?". Gorka replied jokingly: "No, I am crying." He keeps wiping his eyes as Helen says "it's not that emotional". Gorka said: "It's just sweat", to which everyone in the crowd stared laughing.

The couple finished the night second in the leaderboard, only to be beaten by Fluer East and her partner Vito Coppola who scored 40 out of 40.

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