Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Shirley Ballas reveals REAL reason she axed Aston Merrygold
STRICTLY COME DANCING judge Shirley Ballas has revealed exactly why she sent JLS singer Aston Merrygold home, in the biggest shock of the series so far.
It Takes Two: Shirley Ballas explains why she sent Aston home
When the 29-year-old singer was axed from the BBC series, the devastating blow sent fans into overdrive as bottom-two staple Mollie King, 30, and her professional dance partner AJ Pritchard were saved once again.
Appearing on the ballroom competition's companion show It Takes Two today, Shirley, 57, explained why she made the controversial decision.
As presenter Zoe Ball asked her to clear up the confusion once and for all, the Latin ballroom queen explained: "Because actually it's an awful decision to have to make to send anybody home, but you have to judge on that particular dance.
"Not past performances, not future performances, but just that dance."
Strictly: Shirley Ballas revealed the real reason she axed Aston Merrygold from the series
Strictly: Shirley begged viewers to pick up the phone and vote
Strictly: Zoe Ball was keen to address the question from many viewers
It's an awful decision to have to make to send anybody home, but you have to judge on that dance
The judge then placed the blame firmly on the general public when she said: "So I urge everyone at home, you have to vote. Look at Ruth, she got a four but she was saved!"
The Merseyside dance teacher went on to give a tease at one of this week's dances on the show.
"I've chosen the Cha Cha Cha because it seems to be, with the contestants, quite a difficult dance, you have to move really quickly.
"That was the very first dance I learned at the church hall when I was seven-years-old."
Strictly: Shirley also revealed why she's chosen the Cha Cha as this week's dance
Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Tess CLASH
The instalment also featured an appearance from Alexandra Burke and her partner Gorka Marquez, who discussed their upcoming "romantic" performance to an Argentine Tango this weekend.
As the pair demonstrated some of their sensual moves, Zoe admitted: "Oh, I thought you were actually going to kiss him then.
"Do you need me to practice that with you Gorka?" she joked cheekily.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC One, and It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two.