BBC Strictly fans fume as Paul Merson is fourth star booted from competition after ‘unfair and joke’ dances

Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson was the fourth star to be booted from the competition after failing to impress the judges for a second time.

On Saturday night, Merson and partner Karen Hauer performed the Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce and received a score of 19 out of a possible 40.

Failing to receive enough votes, the couple faced the dance-off for the second time against JB Gill and Amy Dowden.

After dancing for the second time, the judges delivered their verdicts and saw all four judges decide to save Gill and Dowden – sending them through to Halloween week.

When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Merson said: “It’s been really good. 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.

“She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach. 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 added: “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 shown 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.”

Throughout his time on the show, viewers have been left outraged that Merson has been given “joke” dances, being unable to show off his skills properly.

This once again shone through during tonight’s results show, as many took to their X accounts to claim the show had “favoured” many of the other celebrities.

One viewer noted: “Stitched them up a wee bit this week but he’s done SO well to make it to week 5 #Strictly.”

A second said: “Producers gave Paul one serious routine and the rest they made him a joke he wasn’t given a fair chance #strictly.”

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Someone else added: “I’m disappointed that Paul is in the dance off, he was given rubbish costumes to start with and rubbish music, appalling favouritism going on with the production of this show #Strictly.”

“Sad that Paul is going tbh! He was brilliant last week because he was given a proper song and dance!!” a fourth explained. (sic)