Strictly Come Dancing professional Maddie Ingoldsby has broken her silence after landing in the bottom two during Sunday's results show, describing the experience as "scary" and thanking fans for their support.
The 21-year-old dancer, partnered with reality star Cach Mercer, performed the Waltz to That Ain't You by Mulaa Joans on Saturday evening (November 7). The judges' scores varied widely: Craig Revel Horwood awarded a four, Motsi Mabuse an eight, Shirley Ballas a six, and Anton Du Beke an eight.
Despite the mixed scores, the couple were forced to compete in Sunday's dance-off against Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu. Head judge Shirley Ballas used her deciding vote to save Cach and Maddie, resulting in Bethany and Nancy's elimination.
Online Backlash and Support
The couple has faced harsh social media remarks, with viewers criticising Maddie's choreography. However, Maddie has now received waves of support after speaking out about the experience.
In a TikTok video, she said: "I just wanted to come on here and say, first of all, thank you guys so much for all of your support, all of your love, all of your votes for me and Cach. And just helping us get through to another week. It honestly means the world."
She added: "Thank you so much for voting for me and Cach 'cos that was scary. Very scary, I wouldn't wish that on anyone else. I don't want that to happen to anyone else 'cos it's really, really scary."
Fans and Former Stars Show Support
Former Strictly star Tasha Ghouri posted words of encouragement in the comments, writing: "You are smashing it girly!!! Your choreo is beautiful and so refreshing, keep going!"
Another supporter wrote: "You are absolutely smashing it with the choreography; fingers are crossed extremely you make it to Blackpool and do the live tour. We love you, Maddie."
Another admirer praised her choreography, remarking: "Smashing it and doing the most refreshing choreography! I don't normally like the waltz but yours last night allowed me to sit and watch it. Keep doing you! Be proud of yourself and your partnership xxx"
A further viewer commented: "Fuming that you guys were in the dance-off! You two are incredible; keep going, girl! Your choreography is changing the show for the better; it's genius and always beautiful."
Cach Mercer also posted a tribute to his dance partner on Instagram, writing: "@maddieingoldsby you're a magnificent human being and amazing at what you do, never forget that."
Strictly Come Dancing can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
