Strictly Come Dancing fans took to social media to complain after Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola performed the Rumba in what is known as the "death slot" on Saturday night. The soap star and her partner danced second in the show, a position some viewers believe puts contestants at risk.
The BBC competition has reached its halfway point, with the final set to take place just before Christmas. Last week saw the first-ever three-way dance-off, which resulted in actor Lawrence Robb and his professional partner Jowita Pryzstal being eliminated.
Jaime Winstone out with injury
Actor Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu missed this week's show after she tore an abdominal muscle. The BBC announced the news on Wednesday (4 November), saying doctors had advised the actor to rest this week.
A spokesperson said: "In line with the rules of the show, Jaime and Carlos will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Jaime the very best as she continues her recovery."
Fans react to the death slot
On Saturday night (November 7), Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola performed the Rumba to Yellow by Coldplay, landing 30 points. Fans rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to complain about the slot and the dance choice.
Strictly fan @hannahf1_27 wrote: "Someone wants Lacey out. A rumba in the death slot?!?"
@jlb26_ said: "QUEEN LACEY DEVOURING A DEATH SLOT RUMBA and those leg extensions !!!!! beautiful woman and a beautiful dance."
@sarahlawson84 agreed: "A rumba in the death slot! If Lacey didn’t have obvious backing, I’d be super worried"
@Kaaaaatie_x said: "not lacey death slot rumba somehow that’s WORSE", and @escaliice added: "lacey death slotted with the rumba oh the evil strictly producers."
@BRATTYBARBl added: "AR LACE IN THE DEATH SLOT WITH A RUMBA?"
Judges' comments and 'undermarked' claims
Judges' comments included Shirley saying "a nervous stutter at the start but lovely timing, handled a difficult routine, lovely leg action, give me more confidence because you’re much better than you think".
Anton said "the sort of rumba I like, melodic and fluid, a lovely dance with a beautiful story", while Craig says "too stop-start and watch your free arm but amazing connection and that extension was absolutely gaaaaw-jus".
Motsi said it was "lyrical and beautiful, loved the togetherness but be more independent in the Latin dances".
Some fans complained that the pair was "undermarked" as @BRATTYBARBl wrote: "We need the Enders army to rally round our Lacey Turner tonight. Undermarked!"
@LauraBWFC said: "I don’t think I’ve rooted for someone in a show as much as I’m rooting for Lacey to win this!"
