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

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming after last week's elimination and have called for a major change to be made to the BBC show

Strictly fans have made an unusual request, with some viewers still reeling from what they consider an "injustice" just a week earlier. They firmly assert that Tom Dean's departure was undeserved and are proposing that the BBC should dismiss two couples to allow his return.

During Strictly Come Dancing's Movie Week, which concluded with last Sunday's tension-filled results show, emotions were high. The prior week's result sparked controversy as Toyah Willcox was spared over Tom Dean, with many spectators convinced the Olympic swimmer had outperformed her, leading to accusations of the programme being "a fix".

Last night (Sunday, October 6), musician Willcox, 66, faced potential elimination again, battling it out in the bottom two with her dance partner Neil Jones, 42. They were up against former football star Paul Merson, 56, and his partner Karen Hauer, also 42.

After both couples delivered impassioned performances to win over the judges, it was time for the verdict, reports Birmingham Live.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood shared his thoughts: "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 echoed this sentiment, saying: "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 made the crucial decision, opting to save Paul and Karen. He admitted: "It wasn't a flawless performance from either couple," yet he highlighted: "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 disclosed that she would have chosen Merson and Hauer, as Willcox and Jones came to terms with their exit.

Nevertheless, Toyah Willcox's departure from the show did not sit well with fans, especially following last week's contentious episode, sparking discussions among the audience.

On social media platform X, disgruntled viewers expressed their frustration, stating: "After this I'm even more annoyed."

Some aired their disappointment: "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 shared similar feelings with remarks like "Still p***ed that Tom left last week #Strictly," and requests such as "#strictly cant they send both home and bring back tom dean! ".

There were widespread calls for a shake-up, with comments like: "Save neither and bring back Tom! #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,".

At the same time, some felt a sense of justice: "Thank Christ for that! But Toyah should have gone last week and all the judges know it. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."