BBC Strictly fans call for presenter to be ‘axed’ as they brand co-star ‘much better’ after tearful interview

Strictly Come Dancing is now in its quarter-final stage of the competition, with BBC viewers becoming increasingly divided over the couples remaining.

Last week, hearts were broken as EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his partner Michelle Tsiakkas were voted off the show, and during the pair’s appearance on spin-off show It Takes Two, fans were left calling for another change.

It Takes Two is hosted by former Strictly professional Janette Manrara, 41, and series 20 runner-up Fleur East, 37.

Manrara hosts a higher volume of shows, but East was tasked with chatting with the latest departed duo Borthwick and Tsiakkas on Monday.

“Tonight is all about the magic of Strictly, and you went out on such a classy routine,” East commented.

She went on to assure the two that they “can leave with your heads held high”.

After showing the pair a reel of their highlights along with sweet comments from co-stars, East appeared moved herself as Tsiakkas became tearful.

“That’s emotional,” the singer stated, before adding: “Jamie, as an actor, you really know how to put on a show.”

Concluding the interview, East pointed out Borthwick has enjoyed ranking his dances and asked him to “rate” his partner Tsiakkas.

“This one, Strictly are lucky to have Michelle,” the actor beamed. “She is absolutely brilliant. As much as I’m going to hate it, I will love it next year when she has another new partner.”

Moved by the conversation and display of emotion on both sides, fans were quick to applaud East’s personable interviewing skills.

Along with the compliments towards East though were criticisms of Manrara, with some calling for her to be “axed” and permanently replaced by East.

Taking to X, several fans were full of praise for the chatshow host, comparing her approach to her co-star’s.

“Fleur is an easier watch than janette marara, get rid of janette and have fleur as the presenter #ItTakesTwo,” one commented harshly, which prompted a second fan to reply: “Totally agree.”

“Say it again fleur is much better on this than Janette #ItTakesTwo,” another penned before someone else requested: “Oh foff, can’t we have Fleur all week please?! #ItTakesTwo.”

“Much prefer fleur on this #ittakestwo #strictly,” another agreed.

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Not all viewers felt the same way though, with others preferring Manrara’s presenting.

“I’m the opposite. Will only watch when Janette is presenting,” explained a different user. (sic)

The interview came after Sunday’s Results Show sparked a lot of backlash, with many fans of the show believing it wasn’t time for Borthwick to have left the series.

Some even labelled the show “a fix” because The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks managed to retain his place in the competition despite repeatedly being marked lower than the other celebrities.