Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Chizzy Akudolu exit sparks huge backlash and fresh 'race row'
STRICTLY COME DANCING lost its first celebrity last night with Chizzy Akudolu failing to impress the judges with her Foxtrot in the dreaded dance-off against Brian Conley.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Chizzy Akudolu exit sparks huge backlash as result sparks 'race row'
Chizzy Akudolu breaks down as she's eliminated from Strictly
Now the BBC is facing a backlash from viewers and fresh claims that the show is "racist" after the Holby City broke down in tears following her elimination.
Fans of the BBC series took to social media instantly to slam the public vote for sending the actress home, with many claiming racism had a part to play.
One viewer commented: "Argh! #Strictly racism strikes again. I thought Brian was really poor. Farewell Chizzy."
While another added: "@bbcstrictly Seems to be another case of BBC Strictly racism with potential for Chizzy going out. Black female celebs always go out early."
Strictly Come Dancing: Chizzy Akudolu was the first celebrity to be eliminated
Strictly Come Dancing: Chizzy faced Brian Conley in the dreaded dance-off
"Noooo! Chizzy ROCKS! Much better dancer than Brian, The Vicar, Charlotte and Ruth... I remember this same stuff last year. #racism," a third continued.
Someone else shared: "I’m sure Chizzy wouldn’t want the sympathy vote but you would have thought producers would have wanted to avoid a racism scandal this year."
However, some viewers defended the judging panel's decision with one noting: "I agree Brian was worse than Chizzy but please don't bring out the racism card. Remember who won last year #Strictly."
Chizzy, 43, teared up as she reflected on her Strictly Come Dancing experience on last night's results show.
Strictly Come Dancing: Viewers rushed to Twitter to slam the final result
Strictly Come Dancing: Chizzy broke down as she was eliminated from the series
Speaking to host Tess Daly, she said: "This guy… this dude, I have loved every minute dancing with him and it will continue because I will just be going round his house to dance now.
“But I don’t have his address so if anyone could email me I would appreciate it! And thank you to the judges for the constructive criticism which I will take on board.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.