Strictly Come Dancing viewers have rallied behind Olympian Tabitha 'Tabby' Stoecker after she received the lowest score of Halloween Week, following a difficult Quickstep with professional partner Mark Karmalita. The routine drew mixed remarks from the judges, leaving her with a total of 25.
Before her marks were revealed, host Johannes Radebe expressed concern for her wellbeing as she climbed the stairs to discuss her performance. He asked, "I just wanted to know if you're ok? Constructive feedback from the judges."
Tabby's response to the judges
Tabby appeared unfazed by the panel's comments, responding: "I'm so used to that. I'm an athlete; that's what I live for. After having such a high last week, I wanted to challenge myself; I didn't want to do an easy routine. I wanted to do something that was difficult, and you can see that it was difficult."
She added: "That's the whole point of the show. I want to grow, I want to learn, I want to get better. I can't do that without taking on different challenges."
Judges' marks and leaderboard slide
The judges awarded her a six from Craig Revel Horwood, a seven from Motsi Mabuse, a five from Shirley Ballas, and a seven from Anton Du Beke, giving her an overall score of 25. This marked a dramatic decline from the previous week, when she received the first double 10 of the series from Anton and Motsi for her couple's choice routine.
During the most recent results show, viewers were hit with a twist for Halloween Week: for the first time in Strictly history, three celebrities will face the dance-off rather than the usual two. Additionally, the judges will cast their votes for who they wish to eliminate, rather than voting to save as is customary.
Fans' concern and voting plea
With the triple dance-off on the horizon and Tabby's slide down the leaderboard, some supporters are concerned she could be among those fighting for her place on Sunday evening (November 1). One person said: "The way my top three are all in danger tonight (Tabby, Bethany, Jaime)". Another wrote: "Tabby and Mark being at the bottom of the leaderboard doesn't sit right with me; this will be me voting!!!!!"
Another commented: "All my votes are going to Tabby. We can't lose her #Strictly." One added: "Pleaseee everyone we should save Tabby and Mark #Strictly." Someone else wrote: "Tabby is getting all of my votes as it stands - her placement on the leaderboard has me full of rage. #Strictly." While another said: "How am I supposed to focus knowing Tabby is bottom of the leaderboard and might be in the dance-off #Strictly."
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch Saturdays on BBC One at 6:30pm.
