BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson makes brutal comment about pro Karen Hauer as he's axed

The former footballer was the fourth celebrity axed from the BBC competition after a tense dance-off

Strictly Come Dancing axed its fourth celebrity after a tense dance-off tonight. JB Gill and Amy Dowden danced again alongside Paul Merson and Karen Hauer in the dance-off in a decision that shocked viewers.

All four of the judges were in tune as they decided to save JLS star JB, sending former footballer Paul home. Reacting to his time on the BBC competition being over, Paul said: "It's been good, it's been really good. Anybody I talk to I'd say you've got to go on this show. There's a Tottenham fan over there...even he's nice."

His partner Karen Hauer said she was 'so proud' of Paul, adding: "Every week you showed up you improved, you're what Strictly is all about." But Paul didn't have such nice things to say about Karen.

Read more Strictly fans 'know' real reason JLS star JB Gill ended up in dance off

After being asked by host Tess Daly what he had to say to Karen, he savagely joked: "Could of done better in the last dance if I'm being honest." He then added: "No she's been amazing. Couldn't have asked for a better coach."

He told viewers he felt like he had 'won' the show 'because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now so it's a bonus'. All four of the judges voted Paul off the show after spotting problems with his timing.

Motsi Mabuse said: "JB made quite a few mistakes but he kept up with the music...Paul...it was lots of fun and joy but you just didn't keep to the music."

Anton told the duos: "With all due respect to both couples, this wasn't great. It shouldn't have been this close, it should have been a much easier decision to make. JB not your best night...Paul if you were clean I would have saved you, but you weren't clean."

Despite Paul already being out of the comeptition, Shirley confirmed she would also have saved JB from the axe.