Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left unimpressed by a “messed up” result that saw a surprise contestant become the first to leave the 2024 series . The BBC show’s latest run, which kicked off earlier this month, had its first elimination on Sunday (29 September), with the identity of the unlucky couple, who were ultimately sent home by the judges, proving a big upset among fans. After week one and two’s judges’ scores were combined, boosting ex- Love Island star Tasha Ghouri to the top of the leaderboard , the viewer vote saw singer Toyah Willcox and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean in the dreaded dance off.
While Wilcox’s presence in the dance off was not a surprise, considering she placed lowest on the leaderboard, Dean’s participation blindsided many, considering he finished in ninth out of 15th. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas chose to save Wilcox and her professional partner Neil Jones, which sent Dean and pro Nadiya Bychkova home. Broadcaster Dan Walker , who finished in fifth place with Bychkova in 2021, led the outrage, writing on social media: “What just happened on Strictly feels a bit messed up.
Tom Dean’s departure will go down as one of THE early shocks. Lovely bloke who really could have become a great dancer.” He continued: “I’m not an expert – and I’m happy for someone to explain – but how he lost that dance off is completely beyond my comprehension.
Genuinely thought they could have gone a long way.” Anothe.