Paul Merson's former Sky Sports co-star Jeff Stelling has accused BBC Strictly bosses of "ruining" the show following the 56-year-old's exit from the contest.
Merson and pro partner Karen Hauer bid farewell to the show as the latest couple eliminated on Sunday evening after losing their dance-off against JLS singer JB Gill and Amy Dowden.
The former Arsenal midfielder's stint in the BBC competition had been the topic of discussion ever since he first stepped foot in the ballroom, with the judges and fans alike predicting an early exit.
But Merson defied expectations and earned an abundance of plaudits last week for dropping gimmicks in his routine and performing a vastly improved Quickstep.
BBC Strictly bosses irked fans when they confirmed that the Quickstep would be followed by a Samba to Car Wash in Week Five and sadly for Merse, it was one step too far in the competition.
The novice dancer lost his spot in the competition and while he was grateful to partner Hauer and even joked about the results with judge Craig Revel Horwood, some fans weren't happy given the improvements he was showing.
BBC Strictly: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer faced JB Gill and Amy Dowden in the dance-off
BBC
One such viewer happened to be Stelling who took to X to blast BBC Strictly bosses for hiring famous faces who are already well-versed in the dancing world.
The likes of Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri are just two stars of the 2024 series who've found their dance experience come under scrutiny after impressing on the dance floor.
On X, Merson wrote on Sunday night: "Thank you all so much for the support throughout the show and thank you @karen_hauer... been a pleasure," followed by a dancing and love heart emoji.
Stelling was one follower to reply, writing: "Proud of you Merse. Shame they ruin the show by including people who are trained dancers or have musical theatre backgrounds.
Proud of you Merse. Shame they ruin the show by including people who are trained dancers or have musical theatre backgrounds. Should be people who don’t have any dance training imo. But you were brilliant!
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) October 20, 2024
"Should be people who don’t have any dance training imo. But you were brilliant!" (sic)
Stelling's sentiment is one possessed by several BBC viewers, with Ghouri already having to send a clear message about her dance background through a series of cryptic social media posts.
Merson didn't let the experience of his fellow cast mates leave a bitter taste in his mouth, however, as he was full of praise for the experience when speaking to Tess Daly after being voted off.
"It's been really good," Merson said. "For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show. It's amazing - everybody.
"There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he's nice! It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher."
Turning to Hauer, Merson added: "She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn't wish for a better coach.
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BBC Strictly: Tasha Ghouri is one star who's attracted scrutiny over her dance background
BBC
"I’ve loved every minute of it. I can dance now - I've won because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus."
Hauer similarly gushed: "Absolutely, you've been a joy. I've never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now.
"I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved.
"You're what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles."
