Strictly Come Dancing star Graeme Hall has spoken out about what he called the 'hardest week' of his journey so far, after he and professional partner Lauren Oakley made it through to another week of the competition. The latest results show also prompted complaints from viewers about the bottom-four format.
Week three performances and elimination
The third live show of the BBC One dance contest took place on Saturday, October 10, with 14 couples performing to avoid the next elimination. This followed the first exit of the series, which saw Chris Appleton and his partner Amy Dowden leave during Movie Week.
Melanie Walters and her professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec became the second couple to lose their place in the competition. After finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard in week two, Melanie performed a Charleston to Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit by Gina G. Craig Revel Horwood said he loved the dance style but told Melanie it "wasn’t your thing". The couple were awarded 17 points.
Dance-off and judges' verdicts
During Sunday's results show on October 11, it was confirmed that Melanie and Aljaz would face former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr in the dance-off. Shaun and Alexis had scored 15 out of 40 for their quickstep to I’m A Believer by The Monkees.
After both couples reprised their routines, the judges delivered their verdicts. Craig chose to save Shaun and Alexis, Motsi Mabuse saved Melanie and Aljaz, and head judge Shirley Ballas saved Shaun and Alexis. Anton, who had the deciding vote this week, also saved Shaun and Alexis, meaning Melanie and Aljaz left the competition.
Graeme Hall's emotional reaction
Thirteen couples are now through to week four, including Graeme and Lauren. During the latest live show, Graeme was seen holding back tears after his and Lauren's Jive to 'Reet Petite' by Jackie Wilson. Speaking with host Johannes Radebe, the dog trainer said: "I was scared to death of that on Wednesday, wasn't it?" Lauren agreed: "Yes." Holding back tears, Graeme continued: "I had a bit of a meltdown Wednesday. I didn't think I'd be doing that, but we did it."
After it was confirmed he was safely through, Graeme took to Instagram with photos from the performance and wrote: "Thank you so much to everyone for voting for our jive, your support is very much appreciated. It was the hardest week of training yet. Jive is so fast, and there are so many steps, but I loved it and hope it brought a smile to a lot of people’s faces. Grateful to my dance partner and teacher @laurenmayoakley so pleased to be able to ‘keep dancing’ for another week @bbcstrictly #strictly."
He was quickly flooded with supportive messages. @friendsofprescott said: "You were absolutely incredible. Can’t wait for next week!" @anita_h133 wrote: "Well done Graeme, not the easiest dance but you did it so well. You are a joy to watch." @narwhalnugg replied: "You did well with a hard dance! I love watching you!" @ann_taylor_16 posted: "Well done Graeme and Lauren! Knew you could do it!" @ruthhughes125 added: "I'm so, so,so chuffed for you both!!!! Onwards and upwards now to week 4!!!!"
Fans complain about bottom-four system
However, fans were again upset that the two couples placed in the final four at risk of the dance-off did not get a chance to speak to the hosts about their weekend and what lies ahead. @slinehan1 said: "Urgh, Bethany & Nancy and Graeme & Lauren are two of my favourite couples and they won't get an interview because of this stupid ass bottom 4 system. #Strictly." @Zobear replied: "It's ridiculous, isn't it! What a stupid way of doing it." @NatashaLKirxsu complained: "Why bring it in? The programme is long enough so go back to the previous system. Don't like bottom 4 at all." @A_ANGELS05 added: "It’s kinda bugging me that they’re not saying who’s in the bottom with the first batch of couples. This whole making us wait until it’s 3/4 couples left is a bit meh #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."
