E4’s The Real Dirty Dancing has become embroiled in a 'fix' row after fans pointed out that competitor Tom Malone Jnr is a professional dancer.
The new reality dancing show, hosted by Keith Lemon and Ashley Roberts, sees a group of stars immersed in the experience of the classic 1987 rom-com Dirty Dancing.
The 10 celebrities put their dancing skills to the test as they take on a series of challenges and dance routines based on the film's classic scenes between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, in the hopes of being crowned champions Baby and Johnny.
But as the show premiered earlier this week, E4 fans took to Twitter to point out that former Gogglebox star Tom has been trained in choreography, and he regularly performs dances for his 800,000 followers on TikTok.
One fan wrote: “Are we all just pretending that Tom Malone isn’t a professional dancer?”
Another weighed in writing: “Isn’t Tom from gogglebox meant to be a professional dancer?”
A third wrote: “Yeah they got set up, Tom is a full on dancer”
But another who didn't mind posted: “Wow gogglebox bloke is brilliant”
Fellow contestants include TOWIE star James Argent, Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner as well as Geordie Shore star Marnie Simpson.
They are joined by original Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey, stand-up comic Darren Harriott and YouTube star Saffron Barker as well as Radio DJ Verona Rose, University Challenge brainbox Bobby Seagull and Blue’s Lee Ryan.
While most of the contestants on the E4 show have little dancing experience, Tom has danced alongside the likes of Rita Ora, Fergie and Wiley.
Tom has been trained in tap, house and ballet styles, while his dance crew Ruff Diamond came in second place on Sky One's Got To Dance in 2013.
A source told The Sun of Tom's experience on the dancing show: “A lot of the celebs on the show were really surprised to find out they were up against a professional, trained dancer.
“They all really liked Tom and got along really well but of course it was going to be harder for them to pick up the moves. Tom's got years of experience.”
Tom recently appeared on E4’s Celeb Coach Trip, but is known to most from his days on Gogglebox with his family, before announcing his departure from the show in February last year.
However Celebrity Juice star Keith Lemon, real name Leigh Francis, did not single Tom out when asked who audiences should look out for on the E4 show.
During an appearance on Channel 4 ’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, Keith said: “They’re really good. I was really impressed with Arg from TOWIE and also Lee Ryan from Blue, who actually looks like Patrick Swayze forward slash young Bobby Davro.”
Keith said that he teared up when Arg danced with Anthea, adding: “I just thought, I’m going too soft. I think I hid, but it moved me. He does really well in this. Everyone does really well.”
