Strictly Come Dancing couple Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby have been defended by a former professional after viewers accused them of being "rude" for not thanking the public for their votes.
The pair topped the leaderboard last week with their Foxtrot, impressing both judges and fans. However, during the results show, some viewers took to social media to criticise them for failing to express gratitude in the moments after learning they had secured their place in week five. Instead, they shared a lengthy hug before turning back to the camera.
Viewer Criticism on Social Media
On X, one viewer accused the duo of "never [saying] thank you," while another described their conduct as "rude." A third asked: "Has anyone told Cach and Maddie they need to say thank you after the vote?" Another viewer added: "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 viewer commented.
Former Pro Vincent Simone's Response
Speaking exclusively to the Express on behalf of Paddy Power Games, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Vincent Simone shared his thoughts on the criticism. He said: "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 Gratitude Expressed Online
Following the show, Cach expressed his gratitude to supporters in a heartfelt Instagram post. Sharing a reel featuring 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 shared pictures from the evening, alongside 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 additionally paid tribute to Cach, a self-taught dancer known for performing to hip-hop and Afrobeats music, praising him for embracing a new style.
Maddie wrote: "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 added.
This week, the pair will return to the dance floor to perform a Cha Cha to Maneskin's Beggin. Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
