Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu were eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after head judge Shirley Ballas used her deciding vote to save Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby, prompting a backlash from viewers.
The result came during Sunday's (November 8) results show, which marked Remembrance Sunday with a group routine from the Strictly Professionals. Choreographed by Lizzie Gough and set to the Peter Gabriel arrangement of Heroes, the performance opened with British soldiers leaving for war and drew inspiration from The Monument to the Women of World War II, focusing on the lives of women during the conflict.
Hosts Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe then revealed the outcome of the latest public vote.
Dance Off Decision
Bethany and Nancy landed in the bottom two alongside former Love Island star Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby. Both couples performed their routines again: a Foxtrot to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis and a Waltz to That Ain't You by Mulaa Joans.
Anton Du Beke said: "Everybody's good, that's the problem we've got at the moment. The thing I liked about the couple I voted for is they moved more powerfully across the floor."
Motsi added: "Both couples in my books should not belong here in this dance off and you're both talented people."
After the routines, Anton Du Beke chose to save Cach and Maddie, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse voted to save Bethany and Nancy. Head judge Shirley held the deciding vote this week and opted to save Cach and Maddie, sending Bethany and Nancy home.
Viewer Reaction
Viewers quickly voiced their frustration on social media. One posted: "Massive controversy tonight on Strictly with Shirley saving Cach over Bethany when she made it clear Cach isn't even able to do fundamental steps in routines. Makes no sense."
Another wrote: "I feel so awful for Bethany and Nancy. There were 4 couples worse than them last night but they're in yet another dance off, they haven't even had an interview on the results show since the start of the series."
Someone else said: "Bethany fighting back tears omg, I can't take this." Another replied: "Really feel for Bethany. She's a gorgeous dancer, but for some reason it's not connecting with the people at home."
One person commented: "The two couples who were up are both brilliant dancers. Disgraceful they are up for elimination."
A viewer shared: "I am heartbroken for them because I loved watching Bethany and Nancy every week - they were a delight to watch but sadly the public just didn't warm to them which is such a shame. I hope Bethany and Nancy are proud of everything they've achieved in this competition. They were such a beautiful partnership."
Another fan posted: "Honestly so gutted for Bethany and Nancy. Not sure what the judges were thinking. Dreadful decision!"
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
