Strictly Come Dancing professional Maddie Ingoldsby has addressed landing in the bottom two dance-off, 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 night (November 7). The judges' scores were mixed: Craig Revel Horwood awarded a four, Motsi Mabuse an eight, Shirley Ballas a six, and Anton Du Beke an eight.
Dance-off survival
Despite the score, the pairing was forced to battle for their place in the competition during Sunday's dance-off against Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu. Bethany and Nancy were eliminated after head judge Shirley Ballas used her casting vote to save Cach and Maddie.
The couple has still faced criticism online, with numerous harsh social media remarks aimed at Maddie and her performances.
Message of thanks
Speaking in a TikTok video, Maddie 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 continued: "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."
Support from fans and former stars
Former Strictly favourite 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 added: "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."
One admirer wrote: "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 heartfelt 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.
