Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has come under fire from fans after comments she made to Balvinder Sopal and Vicky Pattison ahead of the dance-off.
Shirley Ballas came under fire from Strictly Come Dancing fans (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has faced heavy criticism from viewers over remarks she made during Sunday night’s dance-off. Week eight of the competition saw the remaining contestants battle it out for a chance to perform at the Blackpool Tower ballroom. At the end of the evening, Balvinder Sopal, 46, and Vicky Pattison, 38, finished joint bottom of the leaderboard with 27 points. Unfortunately for the two stars, they were forced to perform again after receiving the least amount of public votes. This was Vicky’s first time facing a dance-off, unlike Balvinder, who found herself in the bottom two for the fourth time this series.
Before performing her Jive with partner Kai Widdrington for a second time, the Geordie Shore star admitted she was nervous and said it was a “horrible place to be” as Balvinder is one of her closest friends in the competition. Meanwhile, preparing to perform her American Smooth again with Julian Caillon, Balvinder simply confessed that she didn’t want to go through another dance-off.
The four judges then gave the duo some words of wisdom ahead of the dance-off, but it was Shirley’s remarks that sparked outrage amongst viewers.
The judge, 65, said: “Balvinder’s a little experienced at this so I’m sure that you know what’s going to be and what’s to come so you can put your confidence in.
“For you Vicky, you look a little bit distraught there, you’ve got to wipe it out, forget it. It’s a new dance, it’s a new day. Both couples give it your all. No mistakes. Enjoy every minute of it because we’ve every minute of watching both couples.”
Taking to X with their complaints, several fans took aim at Shirley for comments she made directly to Balvinder and Vicky.
One wrote: “Gutted for Vicky and Kai, also Shirley doesn’t need to be that harsh with her words in the dance off! All celebs are still learning… #rantover #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Vicky Pattison was eliminated from the competition (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)
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Another fumed: “Does shirley think that continuing to point out someone’s anxiety and basically tell them to just get over it on the spot is actually helpful…???
A third weighed in: “‘Balvinder’s a little experienced at this’ yeah because YOU keep undermarking her omfg #strictly.”
“Who else thought that comment was kinda shady from Shirley?,” echoed another fan as someone else hit out: “Shirley commenting on Bal being in the dance of loads like she has nothing to do with it.”
An additional viewer said: “Not shirley making a joke about bal being in the dance off again.”
After a unanimous vote, it was Vicky and Kai who were eliminated from the competition.
Speaking after her exit, Vicky said: “It was so lovely while it lasted and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me and I tried my hardest, as I have every week.
“Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here.
“I don’t want to sound too cheesy but you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner and I’m so grateful.”
Kai added: “Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.
“I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever.”
