Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts were left feeling queasy after deducing a move that they believe favours Pete Wicks and Chris McCausland. These two celebs are in the final five of the BBC One dancing competition.
Surviving to dance another day, they have both secured their spots in the semi-final of Strictlys 2024 series which dazzled audiences on Saturday night (December 7), just before the much-anticipated grand final scheduled for the following week.
In attendance among the star-studded audience were Angela Rippon, the veteran broadcaster who danced in last year’s series with professional partner Kai Widdrington, and Great British Bake Off’s own Paul Hollywood.
Setting the bar high for the 20th-anniversary series’ penultimate show was former Love Island sensation Tasha Ghouri alongside her pro dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec, sashaying to Girls Aloud’s Something New with a salsa routine. They were honoured with 35 points from the judges, as Shirley Ballas described their act as a “beautiful performance”.
Nonetheless, the judges did mention areas for improvement, particularly in transitions and lifts, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Yet, devoted Strictly watchers expressed discomfort, harbouring concerns that an early exit might be imminent for Tasha since she was the first to take to the dance floor. Fans suggest this suggests a scheme to save ‘favourites’ Pete and Chris for later performances in the evening.
@fansvfavourites expressed frustration, tweeting: “They’re fully leaving pete and chris till the end…. they’re trying so hard to get a tasha and jb bottom 2 i feel sick #Strictly.”
@airsadie accused the judges of bias: “Judges blatant goal for tonight is to put jb and tasha in the death slots and intentionally score tasha lower so they can get her gone. hate this show #strictly.”
@Evelynsmin vented their anger, saying: “Reading that Tasha is in the death slot… F**K THIS SHOW man. Why are they doing everything to protect Pete #strictly.”
In another post, @Evelynsmin remarked on the show’s tactics: “JB and Tasha in the death slots is… wow I see what you’re doing #strictly.”
Meanwhile, @pscwyers commented on a recurring pattern: “Another week another celeb stuck in the death slot that isn’t pete #strictly.”