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Simon Duke

Helen Skelton's Strictly chances 'hindered' by judges' decision as fans complain

Many Strictly Come Dancing fans were left saying the saying the same thing after Helen Skelton's first performance in Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing final - the judges should have picked a different dance

Helen and Strictly pro partner Gorka Marquez went into the final as second favourites to lift the Glitterball trophy, just behind long time frontrunners Hamza and Jowita, after an incredible journey over the last few months. One of the highlights of the couple's time on the hit BBC show came in Blackpool, when they got a near perfect score for their Quickstep to Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse's Valerie, a routine, which as well as scoring 39 out of 40, was hailed as one of 'the best of the series' by viewers.

So, when it was revealed, in keeping with Strictly tradition, that the judges would be choosing a dance for each couple to open the final with, it seemed likely that it would be the Quickstep. However, while it did come up in conversation as Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke weighed up their options, it ended up being snubbed in favour of their Jive.

READ MORE: Jowita Przystal's ecstatic reaction to Hamza heard by Strictly fans

While the routine to Janelle Monae's Tightrope was a real crowd pleaser, and went onto score, 39, plenty of fans wiling Helen to win, criticised the judges' decision, with one taking to Twitter to post: "Gutted to not see Helen and Gorka’s quickstep in the final again." Echoing the same sentiments, another tweeted: "It's a shame that the best quickstep ever (Helen and Gorka) didn't get a perfect score. I would have preferred it in the final instead of the couples choice, which was good, but not as memorable as the quickstep."

And, expressing the same opinion, a third reacted: "I would have loved to see Helen and Gorka’s Blackpool quickstep again."

Who do you want to win Strictly? Let us know in our poll below:

*Helen Skelton leaves Strictly judges with 'concern' in semi final

*Strictly's Vito Coppola tells Fleur East she 'saved' him after tough time

*Strictly fans call for 'rule change' as final dances confirmed

*Strictly results show group performance axed by bosses in aftermath of Solihull tragedy

*Strictly final prompts 'tactical' Channel 5 move to attract fans

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