Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Vincent Simone has spoken out in defence of this year's contestants Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby, after some viewers branded the pair "rude" for not thanking the public vote during the results show.
The couple had topped the leaderboard last week with their Foxtrot, impressing judges and audiences alike. However, when they were announced safe for week five, some fans took to social media to criticise them for not verbally acknowledging the votes that kept them in the competition.
Viewer Criticism on Social Media
On the platform X, one spectator accused the pair of "never [saying] thank you", while another described their behaviour as "rude". A third viewer questioned: "Has anyone told Cach and Maddie they need to say thank you after the vote?", prompting another to add: "Another week of Cach and Maddie NOT saying thank you for the public vote."
"Every week Cach and Maddie are the only ones not to thank the audience once they're announced as safe," a fifth spectator remarked, as reported by the Express.
Vincent Simone's Defence
Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Games, Vincent Simone offered his perspective on the backlash. He explained: "You don't want every couple to do it because there are still so many couples. Do we really want to see every single couple say, 'Thank you, thank you to the audience'? I think it goes without saying."
"When you're saved, you know that it's thanks to 50 per cent of the dance you just performed and 50 per cent to the audience. I think it goes without saying. Otherwise, you'd have to do it 15 times, and the show would be even longer."
Couple's Social Media Response
Following the results, Cach shared his appreciation to fans in a touching Instagram message. Posting a reel of himself and his dance partner, he wrote: "Through to another week, thank you to everyone that voted for us. It means so much to us, we love all the support and kind comments you give every week. Can't wait to do it all again next week!"
Maddie also uploaded snaps from the evening with the caption: "Thank you to everyone who voted us through another week! you are making what once was a little girls dream, come true!"
She also gave a shout-out to Cach, a self-taught dancer known for his performances to hip-hop and Afrobeats tracks, commending him for taking on a fresh style. Maddie penned: "Cach, I always told you there was a ballroom boy hiding in there somewhere, and last night you finally let him out...Watching you embrace something so unfamiliar and make it your own was so special. You didn't just dance it, you truly felt it."
"I hope you realise how special it was to watch you discover a new side of yourself. You stepped out of your comfort zone and absolutely smashed every second. I couldn't be prouder of you," she continued.
This week, the duo will return to the dance floor to perform a Cha Cha to Maneskin's Beggin. Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One every Saturday at 6.30pm.
