STRICTLY’S Shayne Ward has taken a fresh swipe at cruel trolls after being branded “insufferable” and “cocky”.
Shayne, 39, and his Strictly partner Nancy Xu made their dance debut on Saturday night with a Samba to Stevie Wonder’s Do I Do.
They scored 23 from judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
But some viewers took to social media to hit out at Shayne following the performance.
He later posted a lengthy statement slamming the claims and now he’s hit back again.
Shayne reposted a photo and message on Instagram from a fan that read: “This is the Shayne Ward I’ve known and loved for almost 20 years.
“Who has been nothing but kind, funny and very caring towards everyone he meets.
“If you knew his heart or met him even once you would think twice about those nasty comments being said online.
“Why would you wanna try and bring someone else down that you’ve never even met just because you can see them enjoying themselves.”
The follower added: “I hope none of this gets to him and he continues to be the superstar that he is.”
Writing on social media after their performance on Saturday, one fan said: “The overconfidence is actually something I’m not enjoying about Shayne right now. No question, he’s good but he’s NOT the master of all things dance.”
Another critic said: “Shayne Ward did well for week 1, but there just something so cringe about the guy.”
Another said: “Find someone who loves you as much as Shayne Ward loves himself.
And another person simply said: “Hes insufferable.”
Shayne later posted a statement to assure fans that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Accompanied by a moody black and white photo, Shayne said: “Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it.
“But through my smile on TV I’m as nervous as the next person.
“Not cocky or overconfident… I’m nervous!
“I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher Nancy Xiu. All I can do is my best!”
Here's how the first week scoreboard looked:
