Strictly Come Dancing viewers claim 'fix' as first elimination sparks fury

BBC viewers have expressed their outrage over the first Strictly Come Dancing elimination of the series. On Sunday night, fans bid farewell to 24-year-old Tom Dean, who was the first contestant to exit the show.

The decision came after the judges were split between Tom and actress Toyah Willcox. Anton Du Beke wanted to save Tom, while Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood opted for Toyah, leaving the final decision to Shirley Ballas.

Ultimately, she chose to keep the 66-year -old actress, sending Tom home. However, this decision has sparked fury among viewers, with many branding the outcome as a fix, reports the Mirror.

One disgruntled viewer took to Twitter to vent: "Absolute fix. They obviously have some deal to give Neil more air time this year. Poor Tom. Not on at all."

Another chimed in: "Tom has been robbed!! Toyah was by far the worse dancer!!!Absolute Fix."

Someone else tweeted: "Jeez. First week and already a disgraceful decision. Wasn't your fault Tom."

"Totally disagree with the decision this evening. Tom was far better," fumed another.

While one viewer commented: "Actually gutted Tom left #Strictly, his week 1 dance was the best of the night - the chemistry between the two of them was so good. Should not have been in the dance off."

Before announcing her decision, Shirley praised both performances but noted that both couples appeared a little bit nervous.

She said: "I think both couples appeared a little bit nervous to start with and of course, this is our first dance-off. Both of them had some qualities, the first thing required as a dancer is timing and clarity. Both couples were a little bit in and out but one was a little bit more out than in, the same as what Motsi said."

"Due to musicality and other things that I had to pick and getting out there, your life depending on it, I have to save Toyah and Neil."

The 24-year-old contestant and his professional partner Nadiya were given a score of 23 this week for their Cha Cha, which put them ninth on the leaderboard.

In week one, the Olympian was given the same score for his Tango, earning a combined total of 46. Before taking to the dance floor for a final time, he spoke to judge Tess Daly about his Strictly journey.

He expressed: "I've had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible. I wish I could have gone further and done more dances.

"I've had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We'll still go out for loads of brunches I'm sure."

Though Tom's stint on the show is over, the spotlight shifts to Chris McCausland, who emerges as the new favourite to clinch the title.

Chris and his professional partner Dianne Buswell, scored 29 for their performance, positioning them sixth on the leaderboard in the second week.

Nicola McGeady from Ladbrokes remarked: "Tasha may have topped the leaderboard, but punters adore Chris.He has attracted the weight of money for the second week running and stands as the one to beat."

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm