‘Speechless’ Strictly viewers brand show a ‘fix’ as ‘awful’ contestant escapes dance off
‘How the hell did he stay out of the bottom two?” one perplexed fan wrote
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left “speechless” after one particular star sailed through to the next round – and are now accusing it of being “fixed”.
The latest elimination of the 2024 series arrived on Sunday (17 November) after a Saturday episode broadcast live from Blackpool that sawMiranda actor Sarah Hadland steal the show.
Opera singer Wynne Evans and Gladiators star Montell Douglas had to perform again after finding themselves in the dreaded dance off – and all four judges sent Evans and his professional partner Katya Jones home.
However, it was noted by many that one person was immensely lucky to escape the bottom two after a lacklustre performance the night before: Pete Wicks.
The Only Way is Essex star proved his popularity with the viewing public after making it through despite receiving the lowest votes by far and ending the night at the bottom of the leaderboard. When the news was announed, both Wick and his professional partner Jowita Przystal gasped in shock
His Cha-cha-cha to “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred had the judges in laughter with his “entertaining” hip action. Craig Revel Horwood disliked the performance so much, he scored him four out of 10.
“Am surprised #PeteWicks is through. He made so many mistakes,” one viewer wrote, with another adding: “Pete Wicks still being on Strictly is criminal.”
Many others expressed disbelief by accusing the show of being “fixed” to ensure Wicks made it through considering how “absolutely awful” his performance was.
“Talk about fixing this competition, how the hell did Pete Wicks stay out of the bottom two?” one person asked, as others highlighted how solid the reality star’s fanbase must be.
The remaining Strictly 2024 contestants include Douglas, Hadland, Wicks, Tasha Ghouri, Chris McCausland, JB Gill and Jamie Borthwick.
After Evans was eliminated, the opera singer said his time on the show had been “wonderful”.
He told host Tess Daly: “If I can come and do Strictly and last until week nine, then anybody can get out there and dance and have a brilliant time.
“Strictly is such a brilliant family, such a precious family, that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it is a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Jones added: “To be honest with you, the smile hasn’t left my face since the first day of our training, since the day we got partnered up.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments