BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans make 'dirty' observation as Paul Merson addresses exit

Strictly Come Dancing fans were quick to respond to news of Paul Merson's exit from the show as they made a 'dirty' observation.

The former football became the fourth celebrity to say their goodbyes to the BBC One dance contest during Sunday night's (October 20) results show after he and dance partner Karen Hauer landed in the dreaded dance-off.

They had made it through to week five of the hit show on Saturday night (October 19), however, they only got 19 points from the judges for their samba to Car Wash by R&B group Rose Royce, with Paul saying he "still didn’t know the dance" before performing it.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans work out show 'curse' after JB Gill and Amy Dowden dance-off

They had to go up against JLS star JB Gill and Amy Dowden to keep their place in the competition. Both couples performed their routines again, which included JB and his partner Amy's Jive to Hey Ya! by Outkast, before the judges all favoured to save JB and Amy, sending Paul and Karen home.

When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Paul said: "It's been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show. It's amazing - everybody. There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he's nice! It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher."

He added of Karen: "She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn't wish for a better coach. I’ve loved every minute of it. I can dance now - I've won because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus."

Following the pre-recorded results show, Paul wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Thank you all so much for the support throughout the show and thank you @karen_hauer been a pleasure!"

But fans were taking to social media to express their sadness over Paul's exit as they claimed he was 'done dirty' with his song and dance choices at the beginning of Strictly's 20th-anniversary series.

@guy_elnek27 said: "Strictly really did Paul dirty in my opinion with the terrible song choices. Last week he did so good and now they gave him a weak song again." @angelobruno8172 commented: "Unfortunately, he never had a real chance. They did him and Karen dirty." @thecyprussy added: "Disappointing, need to stop giving people gimicky dances! he definitely had potential he just wasnt given any chance to actually dance."

Meanwhile, many of the Strictly cast shared their sadness at his exit. Katya Jones said: "Going to miss your energy and humour so much." Dianne Buswell shared: "Chris and I are going to miss ya Paul ! What a legend." Vito Coppola commented: "Paaaaaaaaul we are going to miss you." Kai Widdrington added: "You are and always will be a legend merse gonna miss the banter each week."