Strictly fans fume one star is being given ‘easier dances’ ahead of Blackpool as fix claims emerge: ‘The favouritism is getting disappointing’

Some Strictly fans are furious as they claim one star is getting ‘easier dances’ in the series – ahead of Blackpool week.

Many have taken to social media with claims of resolution and favoritism, only to be assigned the dance Angela Rippon.

She will be dancing Ella Fitzgerald’s American Smooth to Tea for Two, and many have since indicated that she has not yet taken on many fast dances such as Salsa or Jive.

One replied: ‘Tell us honestly: why has Angela R avoided most Latin dances?’

A second wrote: ‘What a surprise Angela R gets ANOTHER SLOW DANCE.’

A third wrote: ‘When is Angela R getting a jive/samba/salsa?’

While a fourth asked: ‘So when is Angela R getting a Jive or Samba??’

Someone else wrote: ‘The favoritism AR is getting is disappointing.’

Strictly speaking, fans once again accused the show of being a ‘fix’ after Krishnan Guru-Murthy was sent home on Sunday night.

The newsreader, 53, and his professional partner Lauren Oakley after falling to the bottom of the leaderboard and ending up in the dreaded dance.

Krishnan faced Angela and her dance partner Kai Widdrington as both stars tried to impress the judges one last time.

First up was Krishnan who again performed his Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings, before Angela danced a Paso Doble to Hung Up by Madonna.

After both couples spoke for the second time, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Angela.

Angela and Kai won the majority of votes, keeping them in the competition, but head judge Shirley Ballas said she would have decided to save Krishnan and Lauren.

Craig said: ‘Well Krishnan, you really upped your game during that dance, it was beautiful. Angela, you almost lost your supporting leg, darling, on the stairs, but you miraculously made it.

“But the couple I’d like to rescue and send on to Blackpool are Angela and Kai.”

While Shirley said, “Well, I picked the person who I felt was more on my feet, without any technical errors, and I would have saved Krishnan and Lauren.”

But viewers at home were furious at the decision and accused the show of ‘favouritism’ towards Angela, arguing that her mistake should have sent her home but bosses wanted to ensure the TV presenter went to Blackpool next week come.

One person tweeted: ‘Sorry, this is one of those solutions. how can you say, ‘Angela, you literally almost fell over. Krishnan, you were significantly better, but I’m still going to save Angela? this is one such solution. I never agreed with Shirley before wtf is going on’.

Another echoed, “At this point I feel like Angela could have stood there for the entire song and she still would have gotten through it.” For once I agree with Shirley: Krishnan was better.’

A third raged: ‘Everyone thinks it’s an absolute travesty that Angela R was saved by the judges when they even admitted that Krishnan had improved his game! Craig and Shirley even pointed out that Angela had made a mistake! BBC prejudice, come on #Play fair’.

A fourth added: ‘#Strictly judges said #AngelaRippon messed up. Was unsteady on his feet. Slipped. And all four said #Krishnan did better. But Angela continues. And all a solution to get the headlines about her back in Blackpool. Making a mockery of the show!’

Someone else agreed, saying: ‘Twice in a dance competition and made mistakes twice but she’s still going through it? I’m sorry, I love Angela, but if that had been anyone else, they would have gone last time. They clearly want Angela in Blackpool, whatever happens. Krishnan was robbed’.

A sixth wrote: ‘Favoritism strikes again. What a joke, they just wanted Angela to go to Blackpool. They’ll vote her out next week if she’s in second place. Poor Krishnan.

Another commented: ‘I don’t normally go for the #strictly fix story but it was clear the BBC wanted to keep Angela in for Blackpool. There is no other explanation. Krishnan was robbed.”

While an eighth added: ‘Stripped. Krishnan was so much fun to watch every week. He took it seriously and wanted to do it right. And he did. Feel like a Blackpool without Angela Rippon would never happen.’

And someone else said: ‘The politics at play has never been more apparent than that decision on @bbcstrictly – Angela made mistakes and almost lost her balance. Well done Shirley for seeing that Krishnan was better at that dance.’

About his time on the show, Krishnan said, “Look, this was the most incredible experience.

“I said it’s been life-changing, and it really has been. I’m incredibly grateful to the whole production team, the judges and my incredible Strictly family there.

‘It’s true that I’m going out this week and I have to get back to life. What really made Strictly special is Lauren.

“She is an incredible teacher, partner and friend. She’s the real Strictly star and I’m so happy to be the first collaboration you’ve had.

“She’s going to come a long way and I’m very proud of her.”

The remaining seven couples will take to the dance floor next week when the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special returns to the Tower Ballroom.

Watch on Saturday 18 November at 6.40pm, with the results on Sunday 19 November at 7.20pm on BBC One.