Strictly fans call for 'format change' as Ellie Simmonds is eliminated
She was in the dance-off with Molly Rainford
Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing saw the half-way stage of this year's competition, with the likes of Fleur East, Tyler West, Will Mellor, Kym Marsh, and Tony Adams all taking to the stage to show off their moves.
And whilst Hamza Yassin, Kym Marsh, and Helen Skelton all scored incredible points from the judges for their amazing routines, it was Sunday night's dance-off which left fans both angry and annoyed.
CBBC star Molly Rainford and Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds OBE found themselves in the bottom two, despite finishing in fourth and seven place on the leadrboard, with some pretty impressive routines.
After Molly and her partner Carlos Gu performed, followed by Ellie and her partner Nikita Kuzmin, the judges chose to save Molly, in turn sending home an emotional Ellie.
Speaking to host Tess Daly following the news, 27-year-old Ellie said: “I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience – life-changing really.
“I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence.
"He's changed my life. We’ve had the most amazing days. We’ve had not just dancing days – but days we’ve just spoken for hours.
“And the confidence you’ve given me – I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so, so much and we’ve literally represented everything.
“We went out there and danced our life out every single night and I loved it so much.”
Upon witnessing the shock results, viewers were quick to express their anger at this week's results, with many calling for changes in the format.
One wrote: 'I know it's the format, and I know it's entertainment and I know it happens every year, but we've now officially entered the couple of weeks of #Strictly where it stops being a dancing competition until the actual poorest dancer (sorry Tony) ends up in the dance off.' (sic)
Another added: 'After seeing Molly's tears maybe these t---- that keep voting Tony through should think twice. It's a f------ dance competition AND SHE CAN DANCE. Year after year this programme gets more stupid. Maybe time for a change of format?'. (sic)
A third commented: 'She should NEVER have been in the dance off so glad Molly and Carlos are through so sad for Ellie she shouldn’t have been there too we all LOVE Ellie Results show shocking tonight.'
Check out all of the celebs who've turned down Strictly in the past:
Michelle Keegan
Despite bosses being eager to get Michelle Keegan on the show, the former Coronation Street actress had to turn down the proposition due to her ITV contract at the time.
She's since revealed she's been asked a number of times to appear, but she's always turned it down because she's too 'nervous' with the live audience.
However, she was in the audience when her husband Mark Wright appeared in 2014.
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher was approached by bosses not long after Oasis split. However, much to EVERYBODY'S disappointment, the singer turned them down.
Jodie Comer
Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer was reportedly asked to sign up for the show in 2018, but the Liverpudlian said she didn't want to 'embarrass' herself!
Fast-forward to 2020 and Jodie was also favourite to appear, but that didn't happen either!
Louis Walsh
After being axed from The X Factor by Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh was offered a slot on Strictly. He said in an interview at the time, "The day before the call from The X Factor, I got a call to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. I thought, 'I'd love to do it, just to annoy Simon'."
Piers Morgan
There's no doubt that controversial TV host Piers Morgan would get people talking on the show. But he's previously turned it down saying, "They've offered me vast sums of money to go and humiliate myself on national TV. But I prefer to do it with a bottle of Jack Daniel's in the privacy of my own home."
Mel C
Former Spice Girls singer Mel C reportedly turned down an offer for Strictly due to the 's--t pay'. She said, "The problem is if you do Strictly it's so high profile and you'll find yourself in the news every day. And the money's s---."
Nadiya Hussain
She's the Queen of Bake-Off, but star baker Nadiya Hussain turned down a spot on the 2018 series after admitting she likes to enjoy the show with her family.
Sir Patrick Stewart
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart admitted he would have taken part in the show in the early years, but not so much now.
David Harewood
Homeland actor David Harewood turned down the show in 2013, the reason... because he didn't fancy wearing spandex!
Maya Jama
The Circle host Maya Jama was a firm-favourite to appear on the 2018 series of Strictly. However, Maya turned it down after admitting "now isn't the right time".
Pippa Middleton
After stealing the show at her sister Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William, Strictly bosses were keen to sign up Pippa, even offering her a five-figure sum.
Bradley Wiggins
Olympic legend Bradley wiggins is used to wearing tight-fitting clothing for his sport, but the cyclist didn't seem keen on sparkly lycra!
Mel Giedroyc
Former host of The Great British Bake-Off Mel Giedroyc is such a big fan of Strictly, she admitted she didn't want to 'spoil it' by taking part.
Alan Titchmarsh
Popular TV personality Alan Titchmarsh has turned down the show a number of times, adding, "I'd rather be either interviewing someone or teaching people how to grow things or whatever".
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
After her amazing success for Team GB at the Olympics, Strictly bosses were keen to get Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on the show.
However, she turned it down, adding, "I've been asked to do it a few times and I love watching it, but I'm not sure. I would be terrible. I'm not ready for Strictly. I'll stick to my cycle and a bit of running here and there, I think."
Noel Edmonds
Former Deal or no Deal host Noel Edmonds turned down a slot on the show due to the famous 'Strictly curse'.
Many viewers had thought former Arsenal footballer Tony Adams would leave the competition this weekend after missing a number of steps during his Salsa to 'I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)' by Pitbull.
Tony and his professional partner Katya Jones finished bottom of the leaerboard with score of 21/40, but the viewers at home chose to vote for the pair.
Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday and Sunday night on BBC One.
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