BBC Strictly Come Dancing in 'fix' row as fans fume over 'joke' Jamie Borthwick elimination

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left in shock as EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was announced to be leaving the show for the last time, having lost in the dance-off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe. With only seven couples remaining in the competition, Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill were both at the top of the leaderboard following last night's performances - which included the return of the danceathon.

However, it was Jamie and Pete Wicks who found themselves towards the bottom of the leaderboard, leaving fans baffled as Pete managed to survive another week without even being in the dance-off. Disgruntled viewers took to Twitter to express their thoughts, with one posting: "WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly."

Another chimed in: "Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly" while a third commented: "Who keeps voting for Pete? He is the worst of the lot, why do people keep voting him in. Montell and Johannes and Jamie and Michelle in the bottom two? Awful result #Strictly."

A fourth added: "Absolutely HORRIFIC dance off - can the public please get a grip #Strictly. While a fifth wrote: "#Strictly who tf is voting for Pete?!" reports the Mirror.

A sixth expressed their disappointment, commenting: "Gutted. Ain't no way Jamie deserves to be in the bottom this week, he was absolutely brilliant. Sometimes the British public get it SO wrong and this is one of those times," while a seventh suggested: "If Pete is so shocked and bothered to still be in, then quit. Stop costing better dancers their place in the competition #Strictly."

On the other hand, some viewers are showing support for Pete. One fan admitted: "you're going to hate me for this, but i kinda love Pete, I literally love them all and don't want any of them to go from this point onwards #Strictly," and another confessed: "I can't help but love Pete and Jowita and their reactions, I know Pete is not the best (we all know it) but I'm still so happy for him #Strictly."

During his farewell, Jamie talked about the enchantment of Strictly and praised his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas, saying: "Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show. I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time.

"I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]. She's a new pro and she's absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you."

Michelle chimed in: "I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week. He's worked so hard to get to where he is. It's my first year with a partner and I've realised that it's so much more than just the dancing, it's the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way."