The Strictly Come Dancing judging team fuelled accusations of a ‘fix’ in their scoring of star Angela Rippon last night (November 11).
With the race on for the all-important Blackpool week, many viewers wondered whether the veteran broadcaster was receiving preferential treatment so she may make it to Blackpool with the others.
Performing the paso doble to Hung Up by Madonna with partner Kai Widdrington, Angela, 79 impressed the judges – in spite of a minor slip-up during the routine.
‘This pasa doble is going to Blackpool,’ gush Strictly judges of Angela Rippon
As the judges gave their thoughts, it was clear that they had been impressed by Angela and Kai’s performance.
“This is a paso doble and this paso doble is going to Blackpool, ladies and gentlemen,” gushed judge Motsi Mabuse.
Lead judge Shirley Ballas highlighted the “slip” in Angela’s routine, but then reassured her that “it didn’t matter”.
“You had a little slip over there but it doesn’t matter you know why? Because you collected your core, I saw it in your face; you pulled it up and thought I’m not giving into this move and you didn’t,” enthused Shirley.
Angela and Kai scored an impressive 32 points for their routine, with eight points from each of the judges, in spite of Shirley’s earlier comments.
The high scores did little to quash rumours that Angela is being over-scored by the judges – who fans think want to see her reach Blackpool at any cost.
Strictly fans claim ‘fix’ following judges’ scoring
As the points were revealed, Strictly fans shared their fury on Twitter (now X). Some suggested that the judges had a vested interest in keeping Angela in the competition. Many highlighted Shirley’s oversight and Motsi’s comment about Blackpool as being particularly telling.
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