The BBC has responded after the broadcaster was accused of a 'cover-up' during last weekend's instalment of Strictly Come Dancing. The outrage came after it was revealed that singer Fleur East was allowed to restart her dance-off performance after finding herself in the bottom two for a second time.
Radio presenter Fleur, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola were up against EastEnders star James Bye and Amy Dowden in the dance-off following last week's Halloween special of the BBC show. Fleur and Vito performed their salsa to Beyonce's track 'Don't Break My Soul' for a second time, and managed to save their backs with their performance.
After performing their Charleston to 'Bumble Bee' by LaVern Baker once more, James and Amy were sent home by the judges. But the Manchester Evening News reports that, since the recording of the results show on Saturday night (October 29), it has been revealed that filming ground to a halt after Fleur had an 'incident with a prop'.
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The BBC has since said that the restart was allowed because Fleur and Vito had 'not begun to dance' before the incident happened. In a statement, via the PA news agency, a BBC spokesperson said the show had been stopped 'as a matter of urgency'.
"After an incident with a prop at the beginning of Fleur and Vito’s dance-off performance, the decision was made to halt proceedings to check they were not injured, as a matter of urgency," the spokesperson said. As they had not begun to dance before the incident occurred, it was decided they could start the performance again, once it was confirmed they were fit to do so."
After the final performances had concluded, Craig Revel Horwood said it was his 'responsibility' as a judge to 'save the better dancer', whilst Motsi Mabuse said there were 'different levels of dancing on the dancefloor'. She then decided to save Fleur.
The BBC's response comes after it was reported that Fleur and Vito suffered a dramatic fall, causing the audience in the studio to gasp loudly. It is thought that Vito was dragged to the floor by Fleur as she fell, with the pair then being assessed by the medical staff on-site before being allowed to restart their dance.
Fans felt James was 'robbed' and pointed out that Fleur may have suffered another mishap during her routine for survival in the hit dance competition. And following the judges' decision on Sunday night, Strictly fans were again quick to comment on social media as to why James and Amy should have stayed over Fleur and Vito.
"Disgraceful," said Paula Squire. "Fleur noticeably fell and then she walked the last couple of steps.
"James should not have been sent home. It was obvious before the dance off that James was going to be sent home."
Toni Barber wrote: "Sorry fleur should of went she slipped and could see clearly she went wrong sad to see James go."
@nanny_nsl63 said: "You were robbed @jimmybye and @amy_dowden! Fleur had 2 big visible mistakes! I thought it’s supposed to be the better dancer with the least mistakes on Sunday night?!"
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