Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has explained why she sent Aston Merrygold home at the weekend.
Despite being a favourite to win, it was Aston who was voted off Strictly Come Dancing 2017 at the weekend.
He was in the bottom two dance off against Mollie King after the viewer votes and judges’ scores were combined.
Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley 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 angered viewers with both Craig and Shirley facing flak from viewers.
But on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two last night, she hit back: “Because actually it’s an awful decision to have to make to send anybody home, but you have to judge on that particular dance.
“Not past performances, not future performances, but just that dance.”
And she pinned the blame on Aston being in the dance off on viewers, saying: “I urge everyone at home, you have to vote. Look at Ruth, she got a four but she was saved!”
Shirley’s comments echo those of Craig, who said earlier this week: “We didn’t put him in the bottom two, the audience did.”
“I gave a list of what was wrong with it on the night,” he added, “And Mollie did a better dance in the dance-off.”
Following Aston’s surprise departure, Debbie McGee has been installed as the current favourite to win.
Strictly is back this Saturday night as the remaining nine celebs fight for a place at the upcoming Blackpool special.
