Strictly Come Dancing fans 'know' who will be first to leave as fans back 'joke act' Paul Merson
Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced they know who will be the first to leave the BBC show after week one
by Charlotte Tutton · ChronicleLiveStrictly Come Dancing 2024 fans reckon they've sussed out who'll be the first to waltz off the dance floor in next week's elimination.
Despite initial concerns that Paul Merson might have been "stitched up" by show bosses as "the joke act", viewers are now backing him to stay. After being paired with pro dancer Karen Hauer and tasked with performing an American Smooth to Vindaloo by Fat Les, many thought it was a recipe for disaster, labelling it "sabotage" and predicting an early departure for Paul.
However, Paul surprised everyone during Saturday's launch episode, proving he "wasn't as bad" as some had anticipated. He received commendations from both the judges and the audience, leading to a surge of support to keep him in the competition.
The same can't be said for another contestant, whose performance didn't quite hit the mark. Following a less-than-stellar Tango to Madonna's Ray of Light with pro partner Neil Jones, Toyah Wilcox found herself at the lower end of the leaderboard.
Claudia Winkleman was quick to console Toyah after she faced criticism from the judges. Social media was abuzz post-performance, with many viewers predicting that Toyah and Neil might be the first to leave, reports the Mirror.
One viewer lamented: "Neil looking like he could be voted off first again."
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Another fan remarked: "Toyah will be at risk next week," while a third chimed in: "Think Toyah could go first though."
Another viewer expressed concern about the show's scheduling, saying: "I remember the tango wasn't into the show until week 5. They are doing it too early I think they are blowing it for dancers who would do better in the long run."
This follows reports that Paul was less than thrilled with his song choice last week when it was unveiled. A source alleged that producers had to "re-record" his reaction due to his apparent disappointment.
An eyewitness shared with the Daily Mail: "You can't blame him for thinking he is being set up to be the joke act, but also the connotations of it [the song] are also not exactly positive either. It has been accused of being racist and the song that far-Right football hooligans sing."
During the launch show, viewers witnessed Paul's disheartened response when his dance was announced. With his mouth agape in shock at the prospect of performing an American Smooth to a terraces anthem, Paul queried: "What dance is it again? " His dance partner Karen attempted to inject some humour by quipping, "It's an American Smooth but it might be bumpier than that."
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