Strictly ‘hit by another fix row’ as Fleur East was allowed to REDO her dance-off performance
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Strictly Come Dancing could face another possible fix row when it emerged that Fleur East was allowed to re-do her dance-off performance after she fell.
The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola faced EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home.
However, it has since been claimed that Fleur restarted her dance after a horrific fall that saw her crash into her partner, while the moment was not aired or mentioned on the show’s result.
Drama: Strictly Come Dancing may face another potential fix after it emerged Fleur East was allowed to re-do her dance-off performance after falling
The sun reports that the Sax hitmaker fell over her gag and knocked her dance partner down during Beyoncé’s Salsa to Break My Soul, deciding they were allowed to start over after being checked by medics.
A source said: ‘It was a very unfortunate incident and not Fleur or Vito’s fault at all. About five seconds later, when she was supposed to pull Vito into the prop chair, the legs slipped.
‘She crashed and took Vito downstairs. They landed incredibly hard – it was quite shocking and the audience gasped audibly. Poor Fleur looked stunned and devastated, and no one really knew what was happening on or off stage.
“Eventually the warm-up came in and addressed the crowd as Fleur and Vito were checked out. They started their dance again and it was clear that this second version was broadcast. There was also no reference to the fall by the judges.’
Close call: The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola faced EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home
The source added to the publication that competitor James “wasn’t bothered at all” by Fleur’s second chance and that he “really believed” she was the better dance of the night.
However, it is said that the other participants were “quite stunned” backstage by what had happened, with the insider adding that it is “not exactly a live performance” when stars get “one more blow from the whip.”
MailOnline has reached out to representatives of Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Following an incident involving a gag at the beginning of Fleur and Vito’s dance performance, it was decided to stop the proceedings to make sure they had not been injured.
Oh no: however, it has since been claimed that Fleur restarted her dance after a horrific fall that saw her crash into her partner, while the moment was not aired or mentioned in the show’s result.
Accident: The Sax hitmaker tumbled over her gag and knocked down her dance partner during Beyoncé’s Salsa to Break My Soul, deciding they were allowed to start over after being checked by medics
“Since they hadn’t started dancing before the incident, it was decided that they could start the performance again once it was confirmed that they were fit to do so.”
After both couples danced a second time during the Halloween special, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke rendered their verdict, with all four choosing to save Fleur.
It comes after Fleur was dragged into a sexist spat involving chief judge Shirley Ballas last month, in which Fleur intervened to defend the Queen of Latin.
Fine: The source added to the publication that competitor James “wasn’t bothered at all” by Fleur’s second chance and that he “really believed” she was the better dance of the night
The 62-year-old TV jury revealed during the show’s second dance-off that she had chosen to save radio star Richie Anderson over the singer, despite Fleur getting a better score for her performance.
And in the wake of Shirley facing a barrage of criticism for her choice, and over her alleged “sexist” comments about the show, Fleur came to her defense, calling the response “truly unfair.”
The former X Factor star spoke of her shock at the criticism Shirley received, adding that she had “the utmost respect” for her and the other judges.
Relief: After both couples danced a second time, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke delivered their verdict, with all four choosing to save Fleur
In addition to claims that she prefers male participants on the show, Shirley has been accused of having “favorites, whether they have ability or not,” with many arguing that Fleur had been the superior dancer to Richie.
She has also been attacked for flirty comments about male contestants after she described Will Mellor as “easy on the eye.”
Fans have since defended the TV personality against the “uber awake” brigade, pointing out that her role on the show is to be a judge and critique to help the celebrities improve.
The remaining ten couples will take to the dance floor next time when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, November 5 at 7pm, with the results on Sunday, November 6 at 7:15pm on BBC One.
STRICTLY COME DANCE 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so glad they have this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m leaving home in my pajamas watching actual dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: former athlete
Ellie says: “Being asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: radio dj
Tyler says: “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a sequin side.”
ELLIE TAYLORO
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m over the moon to be part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the temptation of the sequins and the call of the salsa makes me swap my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly Soft ones.”
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: “I know it will be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s had some rough years, so I’m doing this for her too. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Mollie says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
fleur says: “I’m just as nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly lineup. I’m excited to learn new skills and want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Professionaln: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
hamza says: “I’m over the moon to participate in Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio channel
Helen says: ‘I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started”