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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
Ben Hurst

Strictly fans urge for change to show as fury at Ellie Simmonds' exit grows

Furious Strictly viewers say the BBC show needs to change as they disagreed with who ended up in the bottom two over the weekend. People were angry that former Arsenal player Tony Adams wasn’t in the bottom two as Ellie Simmonds was in the dance-off with Molly Rainford instead and was subsequently voted off.

Tony's performance was 'so bad' that his partner Katya Jones got involved in a fierce argument - as the camera cut away abruptly. Witnesses said Katya was making her views known as she shouted at him for making mistakes, the Mirror reports. It came after Tony closed the show on Saturday night (Nov 5).

Judge Shirley Ballas said: “You made too many mistakes. They were one after the other.” Craig Revel Horwood added: “You had a good go, but no it didn’t work tonight. It’s a shame.”

READ MORE: I'm A Celebrity viewers complain within minutes of show starting

But come Sunday night, Ellie was in tears - as were many viewers - as she was unanimously voted off by the judges after a dance-off with pop star Molly Rainford. Viewers blasted the format f the show as unfair.

Twitter user Susanne said: “Honesty, the voting public can’t be trusted. This is how you end up with a Tory govt and Tony Adams going to Blackpool. #Strictly.” Orangenlemon added: “#Strictly is becoming a farce! Who is actually voting for Tony?! He’s rubbish and once again a better dancer will go out again this week!”

Simmonds and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin danced their lively Charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate again in a bid to impress the judges. Other Strictly dancers also appeared to be in tears at Ellie's departure.

Judge Motsi Mabuse praised both couples, saying they “danced exceptionally well”, and Anton Du Beke said it was a “terrific dance-off”, but both felt Rainford and Gu had the edge.

Talking to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about her time on the show, Ellie said: “I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience – life-changing really.”

Tony was bottom of the leaderboard this weekend with a score of 21 - and even then had no problem getting through. @Darkhawk71 tweeted: “The Arsenal fanbase mobilising to keep Tony Adams in #Strictly is a highlight of the year... The meltdown it’s causing among some hardcore fans is hilarious.”

@LifeOverStrife wrote: “Ridiculous Ellie out and I know he can’t help it , but Tony Adams kept in - think the Arsenal supporters & those who fancy him are voting…” @CourierBoyUK shared: “Dunno how many Arsenal fans there are but it seems most of ‘em are voting for Tony Well done anyway #Strictly.”

@Mofoman360 said: “OMFG how has Tony made it through his dance was dreadful the public who’s voting need to have a word with themselves” @paradiseleah said: “i cant believe tony actually got through when he forgot 80% of his routine and he stumbled through the rest #Strictly.”

@Strengthtodream said: “The Tony Adams joke needs to stop now, Ellie S absolutely did not deserve to go on what I think was her best dance of the series. #Strictly." @Megangoodier said: “Anyone else crying at Ellie Simmonds leaving Strictly or is it just me?”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday, November 12.

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