Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left horrified by the shock elimination of Aston Merrygold.
The former pop star, 29, was sent packing from the BBC One ballroom dancing show after facing The Saturdays star Mollie King in the dance off on tonight’s show.
Aston and dance partner Janette Manrara were the sixth couple booted off the show as Janette praised the ex-JLS star as “one of the most talented individuals I have ever met”.
He had been one of the favourites to win and consistently found himself in the top half of the leaderboard before Saturday’s viennese Waltz failed to impress the judges.
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With judges Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli opting to save Merrygold and Manrara, and Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Mollie King, the deciding vote went to head judge Shirley who sent Aston home.
Calling it a “very difficult choice” Shirley delivered her final vote adding: “Two fantastic couples and it’s very difficult to do.
“On technical accuracy, beautiful flow and full engagement during the dance, I’m saving Mollie and AJ.”
Dad-to-be Aston said he had enjoyed “every second” of being on Strictly and gushed over his dance partner and the judges.
“Everything, from this lady to every single person in here, these four judges… all you amazing lot up there that I get to see and spend so much time with, I’ve made some amazing friends and honestly I’ve had the best time, it’s been amazing,” he said.
In response professional Janette told Aston: “I don’t think that I am ever going to have the opportunity to dance with someone like you again, someone who is so talented, so lovely, such a good friend.”
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Fans were utterly devastated at the shocking result with them flocking to Twitter to share their heartbreak.
One wrote: “Sorry but even Aston’s worse dance is better than Mollie’s BEST one!!! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #StrictlyComeDancing2017”
“An absolute joke, Aston should have won! #fix Now I hope Joe wins and not one of the professional dancers,” added a second while a third tweeted: “There is no way Aston shouldve gone, he was a potential winner #Strictly.”