Strictly Come Dancing viewers have called for professional dancer Maddie Ingoldsby to be removed from the show after her Cha Cha with Love Island star Cach Mercer drew criticism from judges and fans alike.
The pair performed to Beggin' by Måneskin, but the routine was marred when Cach slipped on the floor, prompting judges to highlight a lack of technique. They finished with 24/40.
Fans blame choreography, not Cach
Ingoldsby admitted she gave Cach tough choreography but said she thought he "smashed it" after recovering from his mistake. Viewers, however, disagreed, with several taking to X to voice their frustration.
One fan wrote: "I think backstage they need to have a chat with Maddie and other choreographers. Cach is getting all the heat and it’s not his fault what he’s taught to dance."
Another added: "Maddie has no place in this show she can't even choreograph the basics - or the fundamentals of the dance. Sorry, but she's the one hindering Cach."
Support for the pair
A third viewer said: "i’m going to need maddie to just go by the book with the choreo. enough freestyle. what a way to kill the momentum they had from the previous week."
A fourth agreed: "Cach & Maddie - cha cha - quite a few errors and didn't really get proper cha cha technique - he's a very entertaining performer regardless. Just didn't get it tonight."
Despite the backlash, some fans rallied behind the couple. One said: "All my votes are going on cach and maddie I can’t lose them lol," while another gushed: "Maddie serving face card as usual."
Other highlights from the night
Elsewhere, Delta Goodrem returned to the dance floor for the first time since missing last week's show after breaking her rib. The Australian singer impressed judges with Kai Widdington, earning the first ten of the series for her Rumba to 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now' by Celine Dion.
Tabby Stoecker also received a ten after her Couple's Choice performance to 'Stupid Song' by Olivia Rodrigo.
