Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left outraged and crying foul during Sunday night's explosive semi-final, as fan favourite Annabel Croft found herself in the dreaded dance-off despite delivering what many considered a perfect performance.
The Shocking Semi-Final Twist
In a dramatic turn of events that has set social media ablaze, former tennis star Annabel Croft and her professional partner Johannes Radebe were forced to dance for survival after the public vote failed to save them. The decision came as a particular shock given that Annabel had received glowing praise from the judges and earned an impressive 39 points for her beautiful American Smooth.
Meanwhile, EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, who found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 35 points, was saved by the public vote, sparking accusations of a "fix" and leaving fans questioning the voting system.
Viewer Backlash Erupts Online
Strictly fans took to social media platforms to express their disbelief and frustration at the controversial result. One furious viewer declared: "Annabel was ROBBED! How is she in the dance-off when she danced perfectly? This is an absolute travesty."
Another added: "The public vote has failed us tonight. Annabel and Johannes deserved their place in the final after that stunning performance. Bobby should have been in the dance-off, not them."
The sentiment was echoed across Twitter and Facebook, with many describing the situation as "heartbreaking" and "unjust," particularly given Annabel's emotional journey throughout the competition following the tragic loss of her husband earlier this year.
A Tense Dance-Off and Emotional Goodbyes
In the fateful dance-off, Annabel and Johannes faced Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, creating what judges described as an incredibly difficult decision. Ultimately, all four judges voted to save Layton and Nikita, ending Annabel's Strictly journey just one week before the grand final.
An emotional Annabel fought back tears as she reflected on her experience: "This has been the most incredible journey. Johannes, you've been my absolute rock. I'm just so grateful for every moment."
The controversial results mean that Bobby Brazier will join Layton Williams and Ellie Leach in next week's grand final, setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
