Strictly star fires back after fans claim ‘wrong’ celebrity was eliminated

A Strictly Come Dancing star has fired back at disgruntled fans who claimed that the ‘wrong’ celebrity was sent home on Sunday night.

During this weekend’s results show, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and his partner Nadiya Bychkova wound up in the bottom two against singer Toyah Willcox and her partner Neil Jones.

In the end, three out of the four judges – with the exception of Anton Du Beke – voted to save Toyah and Neil, meaning that Tom and Nadiya were eliminated from the competition.

Following the result, professional dancer Nadiya wrote how ‘devastated’ she was that Tom’s journey on the show had come to an end, emphasising that the athlete ‘could have had a brilliant Strictly story’.

While there were viewers who enjoyed Toyah’s energetic Jive to Nutbush City Limits, some were furious that she and Neil were saved by the judges’ vote.

On Sunday, Neil, 42, shared a post on Instagram expressing his admiration for Toyah, 66 – and in the comments, several Strictly fans admitted that they weren’t happy with who was booted out of the competition.

‘No I’m sorry but this?? This was so wrong. The wrong couple went home. I’d be absolutely mortified,’ Emma said.

‘Sorry Neil as much as I was over the moon that you had a partner this year, I’m very disappointed that Toyah was saved and Tom is out. Totally disagree with that decision 😩,’ Angela added.

Neil replied to several of the comments directly, saying in response to Angela: ‘Thank you I’m really happy that I have the pleasure to teach a complete beginner like Toyah and honestly the improvement she is making blows my mind, I wish nobody went home so we could see everyone improve.’

Vicky chimed in: ‘Sorry Neil, you are fab, however seems Toyah was looking forward to Barbados!’ to which he quipped back: ‘She’s was joking [sic], she loves Strictly and honestly I’ve never known someone to work as hard as her.’

Alyson stated: ‘Sorry I totally disagree with the judges decision,’ which prompted Neil to give a very dignified reply.

‘I wish nobody would go home,’ he answered.

Seemingly afraid that she might have caused offence with the Strictly pro, Alyson added: ‘Thank you for your reply. I just thought that Tom danced better than Toyah. I am glad you have a partner and just hope she does you proud! No ill will meant at all!’

The dancer then commented again: ‘Of course I fully understand, Tom was wonderful and such a great dancer, I wish we could watch everyone’s journey.’

Following Sunday night’s results show, Neil shared a few pictures of his Jive routine with Toyah on Instagram, writing in his caption: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen when you ask me how my Saturday night went😜🤟🏻🪩

‘I just want to say it’s week 2 @toyahofficial is not a dancer but every day she’s improving, each day I tell Toyah, it might not be perfect but you are improving and at the same time you are not losing who you really are and that is what @bbcstrictly is all about.

‘You bring so much joy in our lives and I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to teach and guide you so we can both entertain 🧡.’

Nadiya, 35, also paid tribute to her partner Tom, 24, writing: ‘Tom had so much to give and I had so much I wanted to teach him. His improvement in the last 2 weeks has been incredible and I think, actually I know, he could have become a brilliant dancer. I’m devastated that you won’t get to see that.

‘My 3-time Olympic Champion was an amazing student and is a wonderful gentleman. He will go on to bigger and better things and I know this year he could have had a brilliant Strictly story.

‘I love this show and I want to wish the other couples all the best and I’m sure it’s going to be a great series. Thank you for your kindness.💫.’