Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has hit back after Aston Merrygold was eliminated on Sunday night.
Despite being a favourite to win, it was Aston who was voted off Strictly Come Dancing 2017 at the weekend.
As always, following the latest live performances and public vote, the judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ poll to decide the lowest scoring two couples facing the dance off.
At the weekend, it was popstar Aston Merrygold and his partner Janette Manrara; and singer Mollie King and her professional partner AJ Pritchard.
After the dance off, Craig and Shirley Ballas both voted to save Mollie while Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli saved Aston. As head judge, Shirley had the casting vote and so Mollie was saved and Aston went home.
The decision sparked anger from viewers, with some accusing Craig of unfair marking when he gave Aston just four points for his routine in the live show.
But Craig hit back: “We didn’t put him in the bottom two, the audience did.”
He told The Sun of the complaints against him: “That’s rubbish.
“I gave a list of what was wrong with it on the night.
“And Mollie did a better dance in the dance-off.”
On Instagram after his exit, Aston admitted he was “gutted”.
The JLS singer told his followers: “Class of 17 you are all f***ing brilliant can’t wait for our catch up night out.. good luck to you all!!”
The dad to be added: “Guys life is great I’m gutted obviously but… I’m not sad that it’s over, I’m happy that it got to happen! ????❤
“Next stop and adventure being a daddy ?❤? oh and some music n tours n shiiiiiiiet.. But daddy first ha!”
With Aston’s exit, Debbie McGee has become the new favourite to win Strictly this year.
The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor again next week when Strictly Come Dancing returns on BBC One at 6:45PM.
