Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Shirley Ballas criticised for ‘insensitive' Jonnie comments
STRICTLY COME DANCING viewers blasted judge Shirley Ballas for her “insensitive” comments about contestant Jonnie Peacock.
Strictly: Shirley criticises Jonnie Peacock's posture
The 24-year-old Paralympian winner was nervous to perform the Tango on tonight’s BBC show alongside pro Oti Mabuse, due to being an amputee.
Seemingly breezing past the contestant’s obvious restrictions on the posture-driven dance to a rendition of Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams [Are Made of These], Shirley, 57, didn’t hesitate to get straight to the point.
"I’m trying to dream in my mind about how I can help you with your posture,” she said. “I think you need to think of the tailbone in your spine pointed down and your chest.
“Everything just needs to be in a straight line, your tummy doesn’t need to be tucked too far forward just in a straight line.”
Strictly: Fans have slammed judge Shirley Ballas for her comments about Jonnie
Strictly: Shirley told the Paralympian that his posture needed to be better
Strictly: Shirley attempted to help the contestant with his technique on the show
Still for me, posture really it’s got to better. Sorry
The Queen of Latin went on to say that the sportsman’s legs would perform better if he followed her instructions, continuing: “When the vertical line becomes much stronger, the legs operate much better. [Your] frame’s a little bit better, but still for me, posture really it’s got to better. Sorry.”
Viewers couldn’t hide their anger at the judge’s failure to cut Jonnie any slack for his disability, as they took to Twitter in frustration.
One person wrote: “#Strictly I honestly thinks Shirley forgets Jonnie only has one leg. Which is good, but also don't you under mark him for the bum thing!”
“Dear Shirley, I don’t know if any one has told you but Jonnie is an amputee!” another viewer blasted.
Strictly: Jonnie and Oti fought to stay positive during the judges' comments
Strictly judges praise Gemma Atkinson's 'fantastic' performance
A third complained: “Feel like the judges are being pretty insensitive with Jonnie. For Shirley to focus the criticism on telling him how his legs work best is not on. He's done amazingly,” followed by: “If you tell him to 'fix his legs' and posture one more time!”
Not everyone was keen to blame Shirley for her attempt at constructive comments however, as one person declared: “She obviously didn’t mean it like that – give it a rest guys seriously!”
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One.