Strictly Come Dancing fans expressed their sympathy for Karen Hauer, suggesting that her celebrity partner Paul Merson seemed disinterested in the competition.
The popular BBC show returned to our screens on Saturday night, with 15 celebrities hoping to impress both the judges and viewers at home.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman resumed their usual hosting duties following last week’s successful series opener. Ex-footballer Paul and his partner Karen performed the first salsa of the new series to Pitbull’s Fireball, but failed to win over the judges, scoring a total of 15 points.
Anton described Paul as ‘extraordinary’, but criticised the lack of ‘technique’ in his routine. Craig didn’t hold back, likening the performance to a ‘comedy dance at a wedding’.
Despite the crowd’s boos, he continued: “It was really not good. You were glued to the floor and Karen did everything dancing around you.”
However, he did commend Paul on his lifts, describing them as ‘very very good’. Viewers quickly took to social media to share their reactions, with many noting an apparent tension between Karen and Paul, reports the Mirror.
One viewer tweeted: “#Strictly somebody save Kren I feel so sorry for Karen. #scd #strictly.” Another observed: “Paul Merson clearly doesn’t want to be there #Strictly.”
One viewer commented: “Would love it one year if they just let the “older” celebs like Paul Merson have a fair shot without turning them into the joke act. Not fair on them and not fair on the pro. #strictly.”
Another queried: “Anyone else notice the tension between #karan #paul #StrictlyComeDancing.” Some fans shared their support for Paul as one Tweeted: “I think Paul has a great attitude. He knows he can’t dance and doesn’t care. Good for him. #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly.”
Meanwhile, another fan noted: “Paul looks so sad after those comments. It’s only week two, he is doing great #StrictlyComeDancing.”
The pressure is mounting for week two as one celebrity couple will be sent packing during the first elimination on Sunday night.
The decision now lies with the viewers as they have the chance to vote and hopefully save their favourite pair. It’s been announced that the judges and professional dancers will perform an “avant-garde gothic tango” to Prince’s When Doves Cry and New Order’s Blue Monday on the first results show.
Strictly Come Dancing live show airs every Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer