Strictly Come Dancing fans "gutted" after "unfair" elimination

Strictly Come Dancing has announced the third elimination of the series, as Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and her professional partner Julian Caillon exited the competition. The pair were up against actor Bethany Antonia and pro Nancy Xu, after both couples found themselves in the Bottom Two.

In tonight's Results Show, the couples faced the dreaded dance-off, performing their Icons Week routines again for the judges.

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Dame Sarah and Julian danced their Tango to 'That Don't Impress Me Much' by Shania Twain, before Bethany and Nancy performed their Cha Cha to 'Respect' by Aretha Franklin.

It was then up to the judges to deliver their verdict, resulting in a unanimous decision from Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, who all chose to save Bethany and Nancy.

Head Judge Shirley Ballas shared that she would've used her deciding vote to also save Bethany and Nancy.

While the judges were all on the same page, it seems fans didn't quite agree with the choice, and they took to social media to share their discontent at the result.

"That was such an unfair dance off. Neither should have been there really. Dame Sarah out too soon. Losing an icon on Icon Week isn't it!!" wrote one, with another agreeing: "Oh Dame Sarah I'm gonna miss you so much my darling you were amazing."

"So so gutted for Dame Sarah and Julian though, they were such a lovely partnership and will be missed next week," said a third, while a fourth echoed: "I'll miss Sarah & Julian they had such a lovely partnership. She worked hard and her performances were improving."

Speaking about her Strictly experience, Dame Sarah praised "the most amazing teacher", calling her partnership with Julian "the biggest blessing".

"Getting to learn different dances is something I've never ever done and never even thought I could do. So, yeah, I'm really proud to have been able to have a few weeks learning from this incredible chap. I've really enjoyed every minute."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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