Strictly Come Dancing viewers have criticised Anton Du Beke over comments he made towards this week's eliminated contestants, branding them “unnecessary” and “unkind”.
Sunday's results show saw footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr face actor Jaime Winstone and her professional partner Carlos Gu in the dance-off.
Du Beke casts deciding vote
Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse voted to save Winstone and Gu, while Shirley Ballas voted for Wright-Phillips and Warr, leaving Du Beke with the casting vote.
The former Strictly professional began by saying both couples danced “so much better than Saturday night” and that they should “both be delighted” with their performances. He then told Wright-Phillips: “But alas, Shaun your quest for professional dancing will have to wait a bit longer, because I’m going to save Jaime and Carlos.”
Viewers react on social media
On social media, fans hit out at Du Beke, branding his comment “unnecessary” and poorly phrased. “Anton didn’t have to say that comment, you will be missed Shaun,” wrote one viewer, while another echoed: “Anton could’ve phrased that better, he was mean. Sean will be missed, what a lovely human.”
“Anton’s comment was very unnecessary,” read one comment, with another branding his words “just rude”. “Big Anton fan here but his comments to Shaun this week were unnecessary and unkind!” said one viewer.
Another comment read: “Was really disappointed with how disrespectful @mrantondubeke was towards Shaun. So unnecessary. By all means have the casting vote, but you don’t have to be mean.”
The Standard has contacted Du Beke’s representatives and the BBC for comment.
Earlier remarks and next week
Du Beke’s comments referenced a challenge Wright-Phillips set himself in the launch show, where he declared he wanted to “try and be as good as the pros”. On Saturday, Du Beke had told Wright-Phillips, whose footballer father Ian Wright was in the audience: “You’ve got a great future in the dancing industry at some stage,” before adding: “As soon as you clear up the steps and the timing, I think it will all be marvellous.”
Wright-Phillips will no longer compete on Strictly 2026, while the remaining 11 couples have made it through to Halloween week, where they will perform spooky routines in front of the live audience and British public.
