Strictly Come Dancing viewers took to social media to accuse Shirley Ballas of using a stunt double during a group routine on Sunday night's results show (October 11). The judging panel performed a spectacular dance before the elimination results were revealed.
Shirley and Anton Face Off in Ballroom versus Latin
Shirley and Anton Du Beke were split into competing teams alongside the professional dancers for a Ballroom versus Latin face-off. During the performance, the 66-year-old appeared to execute backflips, breakdancing moves and the worm.
While her face remained hidden by her hair during these sequences, BBC viewers quickly flocked to X to voice their opinions, with many raising identical concerns. One person said: "Bit annoyed they used a stunt double for Shirley for that bit of the routine #Strictly."
Viewers React to 'Fake Shirley' Moments
Someone else wrote: "#strictly We know Shirley is a great dancer, so why use a stunt double? ?" One viewer shared: "@bbcstrictly that was not Shirley doing backflips c'mon #strictly #dancing".
As another commented: "Fake Shirley doing the worm." While one viewer added: "So obviously not Shirley doing those moves." Despite this, some audiences relished the performance, as one person said: "Shirley was incredible in that dance. My word."
Another added: "People we could ALL see Shirley had a stunt double for the flips, it was supposed to be tongue in cheek, and for those at the back .... IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FUNNY."
Melanie Walterz Eliminated After Dance-Off
During the programme, audiences learned that Shaun Wright-Phillips and Melanie Walterz would take to the floor once more in the dance-off. Shaun and his partner Alexis delivered their Quickstep to I'm a Believer by The Monkees for a second time, while Melanie and Aljaž showcased their Charleston to Ooh Ahh... Just A Little Bit by Gina G.
Unfortunately, it marked the conclusion of Melanie's journey, as every judge apart from Motsi chose to rescue Shaun from elimination. Speaking to Emma Willis about her experience, the actress revealed: "To tell you the truth, no word of a lie, I thought I was going to be out last week, so I've had an extra week with this beautiful soul."
Aljaž responded: "It's difficult to put into words, and if I was ever going to say something really profound and beautiful, it wasn't going to be looking like this. Look, you're an ultimate professional in what you do; that's why you're so successful at what you do."
"You showed me what hard work really is and what hard work really means. Look, we started every day with, 'Partner, let's have the best day ever'. So I want to finish this for us with a huge and thank you for every single bit in rehearsals and every single step on that floor. Thank you, very much." Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturdays on BBC One from 6:15pm.
