Annabel Croft 'robbed' of BBC Strictly finale spot as fans left outraged by final three line-up

Williams topped the leaderboard after last week's scores were combined with the results of the semi-final, followed by Leach in second place.

Third-placed Brazier and bottom of the leaderboard Croft then had to dance again after the scores were combined with the public vote.

While judge Craig Revel Horwood opted to save Croft, he was outvoted by his fellow judges who all chose Brazier to progress.

Croft was gracious as she bid an emotional farewell to the show and pro partner Johannes Radebe but it's safe to say fans watching at home weren't quite as understanding.

Reacting to seeing Croft bow out of the competition at the semi-final stage, one fan fumed on X, formerly Twitter: "Well it’s hardly surprising that the nondancer and nonperformer doesn’t go through, but for me she has been the most interesting to see progress. Annabel is my winner #Strictly."

A second agreed: "Annabel will be out tonight I'm really gutted as it should Layton in the dance off, the professional dancer! The others have no dance experience whatsoever #Strictly."

While a third weighed in: "Wow absolutely gutted that they have sent Annabel and Johanes home! Robbed #Strictly."

And a fourth claimed: "#StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly @Annabel_Croft was robbed! Clearly, the producers wanted Bobby to go through."

The complaints kept coming as a fifth blasted: "I’m so gutted for Annabel & Johannes. They absolutely should’ve been in the final. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."

However, there were some who, despite their disappointment at seeing Croft leave, felt it was the right call.

After seeing the results, one fan posted: "Unfortunately, the right person went tonight, but @Annabel_Croft has found a new lease on life thanks to dancing but mainly because of @jojo_radebe and their #Strictly journey. It is such a shame as it would have been lovely to see Annabel and Jo Jo in the final."

And a second echoed: "In terms of dancing it’s a fair result. However, Annabel is the clear winner of this year's Strictly. She’s had the pleasure of dancing with one of the greatest blokes on the planet."

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Prior to the semi-finals, the odds all appeared to be in Leach's favour to lift the Glitterball Trophy - something she addressed on It Takes Two earlier this month.

However, new data emerged that suggests she may miss out on the coveted Glitterball at the expense of one of her fellow finalists.

Williams could pip Leach to the top spot after he danced a jaw-dropping Charleston in the semis - a routine that three out of the past five winners have all performed at the same stage of the contest.

But who will emerge victorious in next week's Strictly grand finale?