STRICTLY fans were devastated tonight as Krishan Guru-Murthy was eliminated in the dance-off.
The Channel 4 newsreader lost out to Angela Rippon and lost out on a trip to the Blackpool Ballroom as a result.
The judges returned a split decision of three votes to one, with Shirley Ballas insisting she would have kept in Krishan had her vote been required.
Disheartened fans accused the show of protecting Angela, the show’s oldest ever contestant, to ensure she made it to Blackpool.
One wrote on X: “The BBC wanted her in Blackpool. They have their wish.”
Another posted: “I don’t like shouting fix but FIX for Angela and f**king Blackpool. On the one hand, fine, Krishnan was weak, but Angela R has been stale now for weeks.”
A third said: “Didn’t we all know the judges would save her to make sure the beeb are happy as they wanted her to reach Blackpool. What a farce.”
Krishnan and his dance partner Lauren Oakley performed their Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings, while Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington performed their Paso Doble to Hung Up by Madonna.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Angela and Kai and said: “Well, Krishnan, you really upped your game in that dance-off. It was magnificent.
“Angela, you nearly lost your supporting leg darling in the kick but you saved it, miraculously. But the couple that I would like to save and go through to Blackpool is Angela and Kai.”
Motsi Mabuse was completely torn, telling the couples: “To be honest I’ve never been so undecided in my decision, I’ve been going back and forth, back and forth, in the end I’ve decided for fundamentals and technical level so I will be saving Angela and Kai.”
Anton Du Beke was impressed with both pairings.
He said: “Well also I thought both couples danced very well – it was a super dance-off, if there is such a thing. But just for the cleaner technique really, and the more recognisable fundamentals, I’m going to save Angela and Kai.”
Though her vote wasn’t needed, head judge Shirley Ballas said: “Well I picked the person that I felt was more grounded on their feet without any technical errors and I would have saved Krishnan & Lauren.”
When asked by Tess about his time on the show, Krishnan said: “Look this has been the most incredible experience. I said it has been life changing and it genuinely has. I am incredibly grateful to the entire production team, judges, my incredible Strictly family up there. It’s right I am going out this week and I have got to get back to life.
“The thing that has made Strictly really special is Lauren. She is most incredible teacher, partner, friend. She is the real Strictly star and I am so delighted I am the first partnership you have had. She is going to go a long way and I am very proud of her.”
Lauren was then asked if she had any words for her partner. She said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better first dance partner, it has been an absolute dream. This guy is what Strictly is about from not having danced a step 8 weeks ago and you just danced that Samba!
“I had an absolute ball every single week. You taught me so much as well, I am so grateful and it will be in my memory forever, and we will keep dancing.”
The results show opened with a beautiful Remembrance Sunday routine from the professional dancers.
The Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special returns to the Tower Ballroom on Saturday, November 18 at 18:40pm.
