BBC Strictly Come Dancing judges in 'favouritism' row as fans back Dr Punam and Gorka Marquez

The Strictly Come Dancing judges have sparked a 'favourism' row among viewers as they rushed to speak out on Dr Punam and Gorka Marquez's latest scores.

Week five of the BBC One dance contest got underway on Saturday night (October 19) with the 12 remaining couples hoping to impress and avoid the next dreaded dance-off and make it safely through to this year's Halloween special next weekend.

JLS star JB Gill and Amy Dowden opened the latest live show, their first time in the opening slot, and were given 30 points for their jive routine to Outkast’s Hey Ya!

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They were shortly followed by Morning Live doctor Punam Krishan and Strictly professional Gorka Marquez who looked like they could be in trouble after being awarded 21 points for an emotional and romantic Viennese waltz routine to She’s Always A Woman To Me by US singer Billy Joel.

After the performance, Shirley Ballas commented: "We met backstage and we had the chance to have a chat about our boys. When I watched your VT and I think of how I am as a mother, you lit up that whole room and were telling me how much he meant to you.

"You are surprising yourself, and us, with the lovely delightful dancing you are doing. Just need to turn it up a little bit. Beautiful VT and I just think you are a doll."

Anton Du Beke told Punam to "share" her "beautiful dancing", adding that she needs to "go strong" with her performance. On the other hand, Motsi Mabuse said she "loved the wedding vibe, it was romantic and vulnerable". However, Craig Revel Horwood said the routine "lacked musicality, it lacked energy in the body".

And Strictly fans were quick to rush to their defence as a 'favouritism' row was sparked. @xxkathymacxx said: "Undermarked again, and in 2nd "death slot" twice in 5 weeks. They want her gone! Vote people, save Punam." @mrs_blows_27 commented: "The judges clearly have their favourites again....I think Punam danced better this week ..I thought it was a lovely dance."

@maxchrishedges shared: "Ridiculously low score. No excuses. The Judges are wrong. Worthy of a minimum 30 and more. The Judges have form on this. I've just given Punam and Gorka all three of my online votes." @sue.ridley3 added: "Under marked again you can tell the judges have there favourites which is wrong you both danced beautiful and got all my votes."