BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans call for show overhaul after controversial eliminations

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left fuming as an elimination unfolded on the show, with some calling for a rule change

Strictly enthusiasts have voiced a rather unique plea - just a week after what they've termed an "injustice". They're adamant that Tom Dean's exit was unwarranted and are suggesting the BBC should eliminate two couples to make way for his return.

The tension was palpable during Strictly Come Dancing's Movie Week, which wrapped up on Sunday with the results show that had everyone on edge.

The previous week's outcome caused quite a stir when Toyah Willcox was saved over Tom Dean, despite many viewers believing the Olympic swimmer was the superior performer, leading to claims of the show being "a fix".

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This time around, musician Willcox, aged 66, found herself back in the bottom two, dancing for survival alongside her partner Neil Jones, who is 42. They were joined by ex-footballer Paul Merson, 56, and his dance partner Karen Hauer, also 42.

With both pairs having danced their hearts out once more in hopes of swaying the judges, it was crunch time for the verdict.

Craig Revel Horwood was the first to deliver his judgement, noting: "One couple... Their timing was slightly out and also there was a loss of balance and the other couple, I thought, did better the second time around - and the couple I would like to save - Paul and Karen."

Motsi Mabuse concurred, stating: "I actually think both couples gave their best, I think both had tiny mistakes and musical mistakes, but one gave a stronger performance and I'll be saving Paul and Karen."

Anton Du Beke cast the deciding vote, saving Paul and Karen. He conceded: "It wasn't a flawless performance from either couple," but noted: "One had a stronger attack in the dance, better quality of technicality, and the couple I'd like to save is Paul and Karen."

Shirley Ballas also revealed that her choice would have been Merson and Hauer as Willcox and Jones acknowledged their departure.

However, fans didn't take too kindly to Toyah Willcox's elimination after last week's controversy surrounding her survival on the show, sparking debate amongst viewers.

On social media platform X, disappointed fans aired their grievances: "After this I'm even more annoyed."

Some vented: "Saved toyah over tom (who actually had potential to improve and go further) last week, only for her to go home this week #strictly," while others echoed similar sentiments with comments such as "Still p***ed that Tom left last week #Strictly," and pleas like "#strictly cant they send both home and bring back tom dean! ".

Calls for a change were rampant, with statements including: "Save neither and bring back Tom! #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,".

Meanwhile, some expressed a form of vindication: "Thank Christ for that! But Toyah should have gone last week and all the judges know it. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."