(Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing fans divided over judges decision and say Paul ‘should’ve stayed’
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsBBC Strictly Come Dancing fans have been divided over the judge's decision to send Paul Merson home saying that he “should’ve stayed” and that he “made no mistakes”. The former footballer and his partner Karen Hauer went up against JB Gill and Amy Dowden in Sunday night’s dance off.
Paul and Karen performed their samba again to Car Wash by R&B group Rose Royce, while JB and Amy danced the jive to Hey Ya! By Outkast. The judges all favoured to save JB and Amy, sending Paul and Karen home.
Speaking to Tess after the results were revealed, Paul said: "It’s been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show. It’s amazing – everybody. There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he’s nice. It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher.”
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fans call for ‘petition’ for star to return following ‘epic’ dance
Karen then told Paul: "You’ve been a joy. I’ve never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved.
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"You’re what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles."
But some fans were disappointed with the judges decision to send Paul home, and felt that JB should have gone instead, taking to X to share their views. @slinehan1 said: “I'm going to say something I never thought I was going to and everyone might disagree, but I think Paul & Karen should've stayed. For me making a lot of mistakes is worse than being slightly out of time, JB really messed up his routine. I believe he should've gone. “
@jaxst2111 added: “As much as I like JB he made obvious mistakes and should have gone out. Paul Merson made no mistakes and should have been kept in as it’s supposedly to be judged on the dance-off dance.” Another said it was “absolute robbery”, but added that it did have a plus side as Paul could return to the day job.
@Fc25Hawks wrote: “At least Merson will be back on Soccer Saturday next week Absolute robbery that it was four from four today in the dance-off, Merson should've gone through.” @paulbowring85 added: “jb obviously the better dancer but made mistakes the judges said, so should have gone!!”
Others admitted that he wasn’t the best dancer but gave it a good go and captured the spirit of the show. @mikepriestley13 said: “Paul Merson has been voted off #Strictly probably the right result but you could see he enjoyed doing it and he was improving week on week. Unlucky Paul but you should still be proud.” @flickersuggs added: “i’m gonna miss paul smiling all the way through his dances each week. i genuinely think no one else is enjoying this show more than paul”
@SHANEOfficial_ wrote: “Paul, you gave this competition your all, and that means something. I would also like to say that whilst you're far from a natural dancer, this week and last week, you've attempted more difficult elements, so you have learned something. Proud of you” @JackBailey2 added: “Real shame to see Paul go I think. Clearly not the best dancer, but brought such great vibes to show and embodied what it’s about.”