Strictly Come Dancing viewers have branded the show a “fix” after Pete Wicks was saved from the dance-off once more.
In the results episode on Sunday, December 1, the semi-finalists of the beloved BBC programme were announced. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe found themselves repeating their Rumba in the bottom two, joined by fan favourite Tasha Ghouri with partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who showcased their Argentine Tango once more.
Montell and Johannes unfortunately waved goodbye to the competition, with Tasha and Aljaz obtaining all four judges’ votes after their performance. Yet, this result left viewers astounded, particularly concerning the decision surrounding the pairing which resulted in the dance-off.
A flurry of tweets followed the announcement, demonstrating the fans’ displeasure. “What a joke! ! ! ! Pete should not be in the semi final! ! ! The producers and judges knew how to fix the leaderboard to get Tasha in the bottom 2 so that she can knock out Montell…cos she will probably be in the bottom as well #Strictly,” vented one viewer, while another remarked: “I don’t even watch but how does Pete keep getting through? over montell and tash? #strictly.”
Another declared: “pete through and montell in the dance off AGAIN ? ? ? ? ? this is based on popularity and not skill at this point #Strictly,” and one added: “I mean I like Pete but the public vote is a joke now as just a popularity contest…”
Also: “We NEED to get Pete out next week. He’s more than outstayed his welcome. #Strictly,” reports the Mirror.
After their departure from the show, a visibly moved Montell shared: “Johannes has been amazing. Strictly has touched me in ways I never knew possible. I’m an Olympian and a Gladiator, but I have honestly struggled with confidence my whole life and being on the show, with the beautiful crew, the judges, the cast has just been such an honour.”
Johannes added his thoughts, saying: “I am so proud of you Montell, because you are a non-dancer. But the one thing that you have done every single week is turn out beautiful dancing. So I want to say to you, thank you for respecting our art form of Ballroom and Latin. The way you handled it was like a ‘true’ pro. You’re my winner.”
Montell also took a moment to praise her dance partner: “I have to say thank you to you Johannes because I really have found a friend and a brother in this man. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I hope he’s in my life forever, because we have something very special.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer