BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans blast 'fix' after latest elimination

Strictly Come Dancing fans were shocked to discover that EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick would be leaving the dance floor for good, 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 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 viewers confused as Pete managed to survive another week without even being in the dance-off. Disgruntled fans expressed their thoughts on Twitter, with one writing: "WHAT? Pete is safe and Montell and Jamie in the dance off. Absolute joke! #Strictly."

Another added: "Why is PETE not in DANCE OFF #strictly this is a joke a farce and a fix! #Strictly", while a third wrote: "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 commented: "Absolutely HORRIFIC dance off - can the public please get a grip #Strictly. While a fifth wrote: ", and a fifth wrote: "#Strictly who tf is voting for Pete? ! Montell vs Jamie should never be a dance-off."

A sixth fan expressed their disappointment, saying: "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.", reports the Mirror.

Meanwhile, a seventh commented: "If Pete is so shocked and bothered to still be in, then quit. Stop costing better dancers their place in the competition #Strictly."

However, some supporters are in Pete's corner. A viewer said: "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," while another admitted: "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 tonight's episode, an emotional Jamie spoke about the enchantment of Strictly following his exit and offered praise for his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas.

"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," he shared. .

"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 responded: "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."