Strictly Come Dancing fans believe they’ve figured out who’s next to be eliminated after spotting the dreaded ‘death slot’.
The BBC favourite returned for Musicals Week on Saturday, with only six couples remaining in the fray. The competition continues with Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, and Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta battling it out.
During tonight’s episode, viewers were up in arms as Montell and Johannes were placed in the infamous ‘death slot’. This second performance slot, following the opening act, is notorious among fans, and with a rumba on their hands, many are convinced it spells the end for Montell in the competition.
“Montell doing the rumba in the death spot… the producers could not be more obvious that they want her gone #strictly,” one fan tweeted, while another lamented: “Not another death slot rumba… no! All of us Montell and Johannes fans need to mass vote this week #strictly.”
Another viewer commented: “they’ve only gone and put montell in the death slot with a rumba… #strictly,” and one more expressed concern: “Oh they are setting her up to fail. The worst style of dance…. #strictly.” Another said: “Hope Montell does well, usually rumba is what people go out on.”
This speculation follows Jamie Borthwick’s exit as the ninth celebrity to leave the ballroom, after facing Montell in the dance-off.
After his departure, Jamie said: “Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show.
“I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]. She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”
Michelle, his dance partner, chimed in praising Jamie: “I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is.
“It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
*Strictly Come Dancing airs Sunday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.