BBC Strictly fans' anger as they slam 'ridiculous' dance-off result as show favourite sent home

AJ Pritchard has called Shirley Ballas "the most qualified" judge on Strictly Come Dancing after fans demanded she be sacked from the role over concerns she was favouring male celebrities on the show. Shirley, 62, was accused of being "sexist" after explaining she would have saved Richie Anderson, 34, and his pro partner Giovanni Pernice, 32, on Sunday 9 October night following their dance off with Fleur East, 34, and Vito Coppola, 30.

Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East has had a tough week after facing the dance-off in last weekends show.

Strictly Come Dancing judge is known for his acid-tongued critiques of celebrity couples' performances on the iconic ballroom dance floor.From his cutting comments to his disappointed eye-rolls, Craig Revel-Horwood is undoubtedly the judge every dancer is terrified to be critiqued by.But it’s not just the contestants who are heartbroken by his cruel comments, as many professional dance partners recall also feeling disheartened by his pearls of wisdom on the show.READ MORE:Strictly's Shirley Ballas holds back tears as she breaks silence on 'sexism' claimsDespite his sometimes harsh comments, the long-serving judge, 57, holds a wealth of knowledge in the ballroom arena after first starting off his dancing career back in 1982.The Australian-British judge had a turbulent upbringing during his childhood as the son of an alcoholic naval officer and a housewife, but soon found an escape through his passion for dance.He first began dancing in Ballarat, Australia where he went on to perform in a number of musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats and Miss Saigon.But what many fans may not know is that the star secretly paid for his dance lessons by working as a rent boy while he worked as a sous chef as a teenager.While living as a teenager in Australia, the former drag queen revealed he was approached by a sugar daddy who was willing to pay for his dance lessons in exchange for sexual favours.Speaking to Cheltenham Literary Festival, the Strictly judge revealed: “He said, ‘I will pay for your classes but you come away with me and we do the dirty’.”Craig – who was just 17-years-old at the time – now credits the mystery man for all of his success as a professional dancer and celebrity judge.The award-winning dancer went on to

Strictly Come Dancing ground to a halt just minutes into the BBC One show as the crowd erupted into a mass of stomping feet and rowdy applause.None of the gathered celebrities had even had a chance to put their best feet forward before a segment over Thursday's National Television Awards (October 14) saw proceedings stall.Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paused things after the pairs and judges had been introduced to the dance floor, with Tess announcing: "Now, before we get started, shall we have another big cheer for our NTA winner Anton?"READ MORE: Strictly star Ellie Taylor is dancing so hard her boobs 'won't stop aching'Claudia beside her said: "Aww, look at him!" as Anton grinned from ear to ear with his award on the desk beside him."Bask in it, babe, bask!" Tess encouraged, before the audience and gathered celebrities began to stomp their feet on the floor, starting up a cheer of: "Anton! Anton! Anton!"Putting a hand to his chest, Anton looked emotional as he stood up to take a bow, teasing: "I wouldn't be anywhere without my fellow judges!"Clutching his gong, he laughed: "But you can't have this, it's mine!" – to raucous laughter.Anton scooped the National Television Award for Best Judge last week, going up against RuPaul for RuPaul's Drag Race UK, David Walliams of Britain's Got Talent and The Masked Singer's Mo Gilligan.And Strictly came away with another gong in the Best Talent Show category, with last year's winners Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis leading the charge to the stage.

Strictly Come Dancing has delivered in providing TV audiences with Saturday night entertainment and some truly unforgettable performances and moments.First airing in 2004, the epic BBC competition seemed like a show like no other, with its jaw-dropping spectacles, impeccable wardrobes and witnessing a whole host of celebs - good or bad - take to the dance floor.Viewers can sometimes even forget that the show is a competition, and outside of its glitz and glam, there's no doubt unexpected rivalries, behind-the-scenes chaos, and ongoing feuds have led to some very intense moments.READ MORE: Strictly curse babies – Rachel Riley's sweet arrival, health woes and pregnancy rumoursDaily Star digs deep and takes a look at some of Strictly's most notorious bust-ups and vendettas over the show's 20 series.Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas has hit back at allegations of sexism after saying she would have saved Richie Anderson over Fleur East in this years Strictly.The judge was hit with a wave of anger from fans over some of her comments about the female celebs, particularly of Ellie Taylor.Even pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin called out Shirley for her remarks, and some viewers even demanded Shirley be sacked.Taking to Twitter, She explained that while the nasty comments made her "resilient", a "wall goes up".Shirley insisted that she "doesn't have a mean bone in [her] body" and that her comments come from 45 years of experience in the tough dancing world." Gorka was fuming when he wasn’t given a celebrity partner in 2019 after winning with Katie Piper the year before.So, when footballer Alex Scott’s professional partner, Neil Jones, was injured in training, he was even madder when he wasn’t chosen to replace him.Instead, Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing stars Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova have shared some joyous news away from the famous dancefloor as they introduced the 'latest addition' to their family unit. The smitten couple proudly showed fans their adorable pet bulldog as they posed outdoors with their fluffy bundle, who has his own dedicated social media for fans to follow his adventures.

Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova has revealed that her mum has returned to Ukraine to care for her grandmother. The professional dancer, 33, hails from Luhansk in Ukraine and her mum Larisa has returned back to their homeland as her grandmother needs caring for.

Strictly Come Dancing panel alongside Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood from 2004 until 2009. As the professional dancer discussed her partnership with Wiltshire Farm Foods, Arlene revealed whether she would ever return to Strictly as a judge.Arlene was replaced on the BBC dance show in 2009 by Alesha Dixon.Having been away from the show for many years and still being a huge fan, Express.co.uk asked Arlene if she would ever return.She replied: "It's not a question I would ever ask myself because it's not going to happen.So why even think about it?"However, I can say I loved the show and I loved being part of it and I do miss it."This comes after Arlene told The Mirror last year that she was never told why she was taken off Strictly.She revealed: "I gave myself 48 hours to kick, scream, cry and sob, and eat scones with cream and jam, then I made myself wake up and get on with it," she told the newspaper."I reflect and think, wow, I really didn’t ask the questions I needed to ask.

STRICTLY'S Kaye Adams says flirty judge Shirley Ballas has nothing to apologise for - other than being an older woman. The Loose Women presenter, 59, claims "ageism and sexism" are behind accusations the 62-year-old favours younger male celebs. Kaye admits trolling from the BBC show opened her eyes to the resentment of ageing women on TV - but it didn't stop her proudly flinging her legs up in the air on top of a 27-year-old dancer.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has said Tony Adams "looks like he's had two lives" in a savage joke about his appearance.The 56-year-old made the comment after he was told that the former Arsenal captain was 55.During an interview with Aimee Fuller on her Monday Mile podcast, the judge was asked if he felt sorry for older contestants, such as Tony, who is now 56. Anton replied saying he didn't know how old he was, but was swiftly taken aback when the presenter informed him.He then said: "Crikey Moses! He's had a hard time, a difficult paper round that was wasn't it?"He looks like he's lived two lives, he does."James Jordan defends Tony Adams after Strictly star goes full montyAnton went on to acknowledge that they were pretty much the same age and joked that he looked younger.In response to the original question, he added that he did have sympathy for older contestants competing on the show.Despite his age, Tony didn't shy away from stripping down live on the show last weekend as he danced a Samba routine.Alongside his professional dance partner Katya Jones, he showcased his moves to You Sexy Thing from The Full Monty.Speaking after the routine, Anton said: "I reckon if I was still a professional dancer I’d be with you."It’s everything Strictly Come Dancing is and you are amazing, well done."Motsi Mabuse said she'd love to watch it again, while Craig Revel Horwood was left speechless by the performance.Head judge Shirley chimed in that while there wasn't much Samba routine, he had a "good pelvic roll".Despite being praised by fans for his efforts, the dancing duo received the lowest score of the night with 18 out of 40 points.This however didn't stop them from getting through to week four as they narrowly

Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington had an exciting update for fans as the couple announced the “latest edition” to their family. The Strictly Come Dancing pros began dating earlier this year and they took their relationship to the next level with an adorable new arrival.

Strictly Come Dancing star Simon Webbe revealed why he would never submit to the Strictly curse.The Blue singer opened up to the Daily Star during a Facebook Live earlier this week as the dancing show is in full swing.The 43-year-old star revealed that he purposely asked for a single dance partner to avoid all of the Strictly curse drama during his time on the show.READ MORE: Strictly's Giovanni Pernice hails Richie Anderson the 'perfect student' amid 'tension' He came first runner-up on the show back in 2014 when he was partnered with Kristina Rihanoff.Explaining his decision, Simon said: "That's very important for me because I didn't want my experience of the show to be overshadowed by the Strictly curse so to speak."I was single at the time and it was nice to be able to just dance and it not mean 'ooh you fancy each other or are you gonna get it on?'"And being honest that's the kinda thing that was going on behind the scenes, it was 'are you two gonna get together or what?' And I was like 'hmm, na, sorry to disappoint'."I didn't want to have any tension like when you're walking into the room the next day when you've gotta do your job."I'm gonna just say giving your body away to somebody isn't something which is just willy nilly to me, not to me anyway, so I'd rather use that energy and put it into the dancing."Simon is now married to his beautiful wife Ayshen, who he shares a one-year-old daughter Cyan Shenel with.He also went on to mention how he hasn't spoken to his dance partner Kristina in over six years.Talking about his partner, Simon said: "I haven't spoken to Kristina in at least six years.

Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova have given fans an exciting relationship update after announcing the “latest edition” to their family. After they started dating earlier this year, the pair’s relationship appears to have gone from strength-to-strength, and Kai, 27, and 33 year old Nadiya often gush over each other on social media and share snaps from their romantic holidays abroad. And now it seems as though their relationship has entered a whole new stage after the pair took to social media to reveal that they’d welcomed a new family member that they’d been keeping a secret.

Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova's relationship is going from strength to strength, and the pair have now welcomed a new edition to their family.READ: Nadiya Bychkova reacts to boyfriend Kai Widdrington's Strictly exitTaking to his Instagram on Friday, Kai joked about having kept a secret from fans, as he and his girlfriend revealed that they had adopted a bulldog. The couple posed in a gorgeous garden with Kai protectively holding the adorable puppy in one hand, while cradling Nadiya with his other.

Last night's National Television Awards saw daytime talk show Loose Women lose out to This Morning in the Best Daytime Show category. Starting today's episode, the Loose Women discussed their loss, with Kaye Adams saying: "It's the morning after the night before" as the audience groan alongside the panellists.

THIS year's Strictly Come Dancing stars looked all partied out as they turned up at rehearsals in pyjamas after their late nights. The celebrities had all had pretty busy evenings, with some attending the National Television Awards at the OVO Arena in Wembley yesterday evening. Like true professionals, they didn't miss their early alarms this morning, which made sure they were up and ready for rehearsals for the BBC show today.

Joe Swash sweetly opened up about his wedding to Stacey Solomon during an appearance on Loose Women on Friday. The former EastEnders actor, 40, married Stacey, 33, in a stunning ceremony at their sprawling Essex home in July surrounded by their loved ones.

Loose Women didn't win an award at the NTA's. Loose Women were nominated for the Best Daytime show but were beaten by This Morning as they swooped up the gong at the ceremony for the fifth year.The Loose Women kicked off Friday's show by talking about the NTA's and Kaye Adams said: "I tell you what Kelly I was watching your face as a born winner and then we didn't win because I thought what is Dame Kelly Holmes going to do when we loose?"READ MORE: Linda Robson makes surprising nude confession on Loose WomenKelly said: "I'm not very good at hiding when I am disappointed, I was like.." Then she gasped and hid her face on the table."I was having to go like this and swear a little bit them come back up and then do the whole.." Then she started clapping.

Giovanni Pernice looked proud as punch as he posed for an incredible photo with three of his former celebrity dance partners at the National Television Awards on Thursday.MORE: Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice put on loving display at NTAsAfter Strictly Come Dancing won the award for best Talent Show, the professional dancer joined reigning champion Rose Ayling-Ellis, Debbie McGee, from series 15, and Michelle Visage, from series 17, for an epic photo.WATCH: King Charles makes surprise appearance at NTAs"With my girls," Giovanni gushed alongside the sweet picture, which Strictly fans will no doubt be delighted to see.MORE: Giovanni Pernice sets record straight on whether he will quit Strictly Come DancingREAD: Rose Ayling-Ellis holds 'deep affection' for Strictly's Giovanni Pernice - expert discusses relationshipGlitterball trophy holders Giovanni and Rose took to the NTA stage to accept the Best Talent Show gong. In a touching moment, the whole cast of Strictly thanked fans in sign language whilst on stage.Their reunion comes four days after Giovanni and his most recent dance partner Richie Anderson left the competition.