Seething Strictly Come Dancing fans reckon judge Motsi Mabuse may share their unhappiness at last night’s departure of Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe from the BBC One dance show.
The former Coronation Street star and her popular pro partner were voted out by head judge Shirley Ballas’ casting vote following a dance-off with Mike Bushell and Katya Jones.
The shock result enraged fans on social media who felt the ex Eva Price actress and Johannes were clearly the more accomplished dancers, despite an underwhelming zombie Cha Cha Cha during the Halloween week episode.
But with the judges split over who should go before Shirley’s conclusive decision, some viewers have been wondering whether Motsi – who voted to save Catherine and Johannes – was “very displeased” with their elimination.
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing: Fans react as Catherine Tyldesley is eliminated
“I felt [there was a] stronger performance, stronger body actions, stronger leg actions – and I’m saving Catherine and Johannes,” Motsi pronounced following the dance off.
Craig Revel Horwood picked Mike and Katya to go through, while Bruno Tonioli agreed with Motsi.
Only Strictly judge I respect tonight is Motsi.
And it was amid tearful goodbyes from both Catherine and Johannes that a handful of fans believe they picked up signs that Motsi was unimpressed with the unlikely elimination.
Highlighting how an unsmiling Motsi didn’t clap the result – although neither did Craig – it was also noted how she was the first judge to spring to her feet when Catherine and Johannes bid their emotional farewells.
Read more: Strictly’s Catherine Tyldesley shares emotional photo after elimination
“Oops, Motsi’s expression during Catherine and Johannes’ last ‘dance’- not clapping, or smiling and obvious she’s v displeased at the outcome! #Strictly2019 #danceoff,” tweeted one eagle-eyed viewer.
Another wrote: “Only #Strictly judge I respect tonight is Motsi who refused to clap when Mike was saved and gave @jojo_radebe a standing ovation, absolute nonsense Catherine and Johannes were such strong dancers and so sweet.”
And a third added: “Just catching up on #Strictly. Result was a shambles but @jojo_radebe you are life phenomenal person and also @MOTSI_MABUSE not clapping at the result was everything.”
ED! has approached a representative for Motsi for comment.
– Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One at 7pm
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