BBC Strictly's Arlene Phillips criticises judges for saving Wynne Evans and Katya

-Credit: (Image: (Image: BBC))
-Credit: (Image: (Image: BBC))


Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has made her opinion known on the BBC dance show following the elimination of contestant Shayne Ward. Known for her years as a treasured English choreographer on the programme, before being replaced, Phillips took to Instagram to express her discontent with the judges' decision, saying that she believed Wynne Evans and Katya Jones should have departed instead.

She wrote: "I disagreed with the @bbcstrictly judges last night on which couple stayed. Watching @shaynetward at the start of the competition I didn't think he would get this far.

"From being a clumsy dancer last night turned into an actor and a dancer, portraying a beautiful partnership with @nancy_xuxi, the dance felt romantic and true and I was sorry to see this couple go."

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In response to her comments, followers chimed in to support her view, reports the Express. One fan commented: "Agreed 100%. I absolutely love Wynne as a person and he's been a better dancer than I expected, however it was his time. The others are so much better, including Shayne."

Another added their thoughts: "Me too! I'd love to see what the Judges see when making their decisions. I was surprised at @mrantondubeke and @shirleyballas decision."

Yet another fan offered a differing viewpoint: "That's your opinion, I don't agree or disagree, but we are at the stage in the competition where good dancers will go. He's been in the dance off three times so unfortunately doesn't have the backing of the public, the judges are after all just doing what they need to do!".

After being voted off, Shayne expressed his heartfelt thanks: "I just want to say, you guys up there [the other contestants] are a dream. Every single day, coming in here and seeing you guys you helped me so much.

"I want to say thank you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I've ever done."

His dance partner Nancy shared her enjoyment of their time together, confessing that she "adored" dancing with Shayne. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

The professional dancer, aged 33, added: "I'm beyond proud of this dance partnership. Shayne from week one until this point, every second you put your feet on the dance floor you improved yourself. You're a deep thinker, you always doubt yourself, you never believed in yourself, but I never ever questioned you."