Strictly Come Dancing 2021 LATEST – Fans all saying the same thing about John Whaite's dance as Rhys sent home packing

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans think John Whaite should have been sent home instead of Rhys Stephenson.

The CBBC presenter, 28, came bottom of the leaderboard during the show's semi-final on Saturday night after the four remaining couples performed two routines.

Rhys and his professional partner, Nancy Xu, landed in the dance-off against Bake Off winner John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, where both couples had to reprise one of their dances in a bid to impress the judges and secure their place in the final next week.

After Rhys and Nancy performed their samba, and John and Johannes danced their jive to Higher Power by Coldplay, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save the TV baker, sending Rhys packing.

The judges were however really seen struggling over the exit and even Craig declared: "This has been one of the most amazing dance-offs I've ever witnessed.”

But those watching at home were not impressed with the outcome – with some suggesting it was down the “curse of the samba”.

Read our Strictly live blog below for the latest news and gossip…

  • Joseph Gamp

    Strictly fans say Craig should give his score LAST

    STRICTLY Come Dancing fans think the BBC have "missed a trick" and could make the scoring system much more exciting.

    They reckon low-scoring judge Craig Revel-Horwood should have to give his verdict last.

    In a discussion on Reddit, one fan of the BBC ballroom stalwart wrote: "They’ve missed a trick this season with Craig.

    "He should be at the other end of the judges table so he gives his score last not first. That way there’s more emphasis on whether he finishes the score as a 39 or a 40." YES I've thought this ever since I started watching. Idk why he goes first, it's such an anticlimax," another remarked.

    A third Strictly fan weighed in: "It’s so that the scores usually end on a high. In the very first episode of Strictly, Craig was sat where Anton is now and Bruno was sat where Craig is now; they swapped it for the second episode as Craig would always score lower than the other judges."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Did Rhys fall victim to the curse of the Samba?

    Over the years, celebrities and their pros have at times struggled to stay on the show after their sambas, leading some to think the dance is cursed.  

    In this series alone Tilly Ramsay and Greg Wise left after their sambas.

    One person tweeted: “In my humble opinion #John should have gone last week after he dropped his partner. #Dan actually danced better last week than J&J. No doubt Dan would have been gone this week and we’d still have had Rhys in the final #Strictly.”

    A second added: “Finally we see that #Strictly is a fix. What a ludicrous political decision by the judges. Shame on @bbcstrictly. It’s been amazing and all should’ve gone thru to the final but Rhys walked it over John come on.”

    And a third remarked: “Nancy & #Rhys' tango was better than John's free dance. Why were they told to do samba in dance off? John & Johannes were consistently good but barely any improvement. Rhys' progress on O.H. was worthy of shot at final. It's a shame judges didn't give him a chance.”

  • Joseph Gamp

    Strictly fans believe John should have been sent home

    STRICTLY Come Dancing fans think John Whaite should have been sent home instead of Rhys Stephenson.

    The CBBC presenter, 28, came bottom of the leaderboard during the show's semi-final on Saturday night after the four remaining couples performed two routines.

    Rhys and his professional partner, Nancy Xu, landed in the dance-off against Bake Off winner John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, where both couples had to reprise one of their dances in a bid to impress the judges and secure their place in the final next week.

    After Rhys and Nancy performed their samba, and John and Johannes danced their jive to Higher Power by Coldplay, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save the TV baker, sending Rhys packing.

    The judges were however really seen struggling over the exit and even Craig declared: "This has been one of the most amazing dance-offs I've ever witnessed.”

    But those watching at home were not impressed with the outcome – with some suggesting it was down the “curse of the samba”.

  • Joseph Gamp

    Richard Osman on Strictly Semi-Final

    Pointless host Richard Osman was among the people commenting on the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final on Twitter.

    He wrote: "Are they going to let us stop crying at any point during tonight's #Strictly? What a show."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Christmas routines revealed (continued…)

    Comedian and broadcaster Giedroyc will be dancing a couples choice with British professional dancer Neil Jones to Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice.

    Giedroyc has presented the BBC's Children In Need and Let It Shine, and along with her comedy partner Sue Perkins she co-hosted seven series of The Great British Bake Off.

    British TV presenter Chiles will be performing an American smooth to a rendition of White Christmas by Otis Redding with new professional dancer Jowita Przystal.

    Chiles, 54, has presented a number of TV shows across the BBC and ITV ranging from football to business programming as well as documentaries and talk shows.

    Platinum-selling pop star Anne-Marie will be dancing the cha cha with Graziano Di Prima to a rendition of Feliz Navidad by Gwen Stefani.

    Newsreader Moira Stuart will perform a salsa with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec to Justin Bieber's Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

  • Joseph Gamp

    Christmas special dance routines revealed

    Fred Sirieix, Mel Giedroyc, Adrian Chiles, Jay Blades, Anne-Marie and Moira Stuart will dust off their dancing shoes for the all-star festive episode of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One on Christmas Day.

    First Dates host Sirieix, 49, will dance the quickstep with Australian professional Dianne Buswell during this year's festive special to Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin' Stevens.

    After a career working front of house at Michelin-starred restaurants, the French maitre'd has since appeared in a number of series relating to the food industry, including specials alongside TV chefs Gordon Ramsay and Gino D'Acampo.

    Repair Shop presenter Blades, 51, will be dancing the jive to the Only Fools And Horses musical song Hooky Street with choreographer and dancer Luba Mushtuk, from Russia.

    Originally from Hackney in east London, Blades was made an MBE earlier this year for his services to craft.

  • Joseph Gamp

    AJ & Kai 'will miss their time together' on Strictly

    The pair are "excited" to have gotten this far in the competition but admitted they will miss their time together and with the whole Strictly cast once the show is over, but said they will remain close.

    Widdrington added: "I think after spending this long with someone, of course, you have to stay in contact, it would be weird unless you really hated each other – which we don't – we get on like a house on fire, so of course we're going to see each other."

    Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

  • Joseph Gamp

    Deaf community get behind Rose to win Strictly

    Martin McLean, senior policy adviser at the National Deaf Children's Society, welcomed the news Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, had reached the show's final.

    He said: "Congratulations to Rose and Giovanni for getting to the final of Strictly Come Dancing. Rose has been a great ambassador for the deaf community and her run on Strictly has meant a huge amount to deaf children and young people everywhere. She's inspired them to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

    "Rose's success has also helped dispel some of the common misconceptions about deaf people and music. Her performances show that many deaf people appreciate and enjoy music every bit as much as hearing people.

    "We also applaud the Strictly team for their efforts to make the experience accessible for Rose. They've enabled her to compete on an equal footing with the other contestants and this means she's been able to excel in the competition.

    "We're all rooting for Rose and Giovanni and hope they go all the way to lift the Glitterball Trophy next week."

  • Joseph Gamp

    AJ & Kai on how their big mistake happened

    Strictly Come Dancing couple AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington have explained what went wrong during their dance on last Saturday’s episode.

    Appearing on BBC Two’s Strictly: It Takes Two, AJ and Kai have explained why the lift didn’t go to plan.

    “Well there’s a moment when you’re supposed to prep, you’re supposed to go out and roll in and there was no out,” Kai said.

    “I realised that if I put her down she would have hit her head, so I thought I just have to wait and let her climb down and usher her to the next bit.”

    AJ then interjected: “But I finished the dance, guys!”

    The TV presenter went on to say how glad she was to get a second chance at the routine.

    “It was stressful [being in the dance-off],” she admitted. “I was nervous going into that final lift. To be able to execute it and show everyone, this is what it was meant to look like, I was really pleased.”

  • Joseph Gamp

    Motsi signs contract for Strictly 2022

    STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has signed a contract to return to the show next year.

    The South Africa-born star, 40, who joined the series in 2019, has proved a hit with viewers.

    It comes as bosses are struggling to decide on whether to keep former pro dancer Anton du Beke, 55, on the panel or welcome back Bruno Tonioli, 66. He was forced to step down because of Covid travel restrictions between the UK and US.

    Head judge Shirley Ballas, 61, and acid-tongued Aussie choreographer Craig Revel Horwood, 56, are also set to return. A source said: "Motsi has been a brilliant addition and a hit with fans. She has an amazing dance knowledge and loads of energy. She always brings her A-game."

  • Joseph Gamp

    AJ Odudu feels "completely liberated"

    AJ Odudu has said she feels "completely liberated" after being able to show more vulnerable sides of her personality and be her "unapologetic self" while on Strictly Come Dancing.

    The TV presenter, 33, is paired with professional partner Kai Widdrington on the dance competition and said being taught how to express her emotions through dance has been "life-changing".

    Odudu also addressed the romance rumours between the two and feels it is "lovely" that people are so invested in their relationship.

    She said: "I do definitely feel empowered by the show, I'm completely liberated.

    "There are so many little things as well in television that I think subconsciously I've not even realised about myself, even the confidence to go on TV in front of millions of people without a face of make-up on, that's been quite a thing.

    "Showing different sides of my personality, being my complete unapologetic self, has been quite liberating because, I guess, it's not something that I do naturally, like go on TV and cry, I'm always usually bubbly and bouncy.

    "So, just to show myself, and be accepted for me being myself, has been really amazing."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Bookies reveal most likely Strictly Come Dancing final three order

    LADBROKES HAVE REVEALED THE MOST LIKELY order of the final three in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

    Having headed the betting pretty much from the offset, the bookies make Rose Ayling-Ellis just 1/8 for this year's Glitterball Trophy.

    But the odds suggest it's AJ Odudu (7/1) who'll finish the series as runner-up, with John Whaite (16/1) claiming the final podium spot.

    Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "It would take something pretty spectacular at this point for anyone to stop Rose from winning this year's Glitterball Trophy, but out latest data suggests it's AJ who'll finish the series in second place, with John rounding out the top three."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Eleventh celebrity eliminated from Strictly 2021

    Rhys Stephenson has narrowly missed out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final after becoming the 11th contestant to be eliminated from the dance competition.

    The CBBC presenter, 28, came bottom of the leaderboard during the show's semi-final on Saturday night after the four remaining couples performed two routines.

    Stephenson and his professional partner, Nancy Xu, landed in the dance-off against Bake Off winner John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, where both couples had to reprise one of their dances in a bid to impress the judges and secure their place in the final next week.

    After Stephenson and Xu performed their samba to It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera) by Michael Buble again, and Whaite and Radebe danced their jive to Higher Power by Coldplay, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save the TV baker, sending Stephenson packing.

    Judge Craig Revel Horwood deliberated intensely on his decision, saying: "In all the years I've been doing the show since 2004, I really do not want to make this decision tonight.

    "This has been one of the most amazing dance-offs I've ever witnessed. Both couples are equal and both couples deserve to go through and I just want to put both couples through.

    "I know I'm not allowed to do that so I have to choose. I'm going on the technical side and it's to do with clean finishes. I'd like to put through to the final: John and Johannes."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Rose says 'anything is possible with the right people'

    Soap actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has celebrated reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing, after CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson was eliminated in the semi-final.

    She said on Instagram: "Anything is possible when you have a right person there to support you all the way.

    "Giovanni, I am so proud of us, we succeed together, I could have not ask for a better teammates.

    "Let smash it! The FINAL here we come!!"

  • Louis Allwood

    Who has left Strictly so far?

    Here's who has left the show so far:

    • Week two: Nina Wadia and Neil Jones
    • Week three: Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez
    • Withdrawn: Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell
    • Week four: Greg Wise and Karen Hauer
    • Week five: Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse
    • Week six: Judi Love and Graziano di Prima
    • Week seven: Adam Peaty and Katya Jones
    • Week eight: Sara Davies and Aljaz Skorjanec
    • Week nine: Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden
    • Week ten: Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin
    • Week eleven: Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova
    • Week twelve: Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu
    • Louis Allwood

      Fix row

      Fans have claimed the show is being fixed so that EastEnders' Rose Ayling-Ellis wins alongside Giovanni Pernice.

      Viewers say the pair are ‘set up to win the show’ after watching the pair make the hugely anticipated final over the weekend.

      The couple secured their spot after a storming performance where they danced both the waltz and the Argentine tango.

      They received a mark of 39 for the first dance and a full house of 40 marks for the second.

      The pair ended up top joint of the leaderboard with AJ Odudu and her partner Kai Widdrington.

      John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, Strictly's first all-male pairing, placed third.

      One fan tuning in to the BBC competition asked on Twitter: "…is this constant underscoring of AJ an intentional move to get her out before the final?

      "As much as I love Rose & Gio, it does seem like it's being set up for her to win, and AJ is major competition, could the judges be trying to get rid of AJ? #strictly".

    • Louis Allwood

      Dianne Buswell sparks rumours she’s split with boyfriend

      Dianne Buswell has sparked speculation she has split from Joe Sugg after heading off on holiday on her own.

      The dancer, 32, enjoyed some rest and relaxation while the Youtuber, 30, had a Christmas party with “the boys”.

      Dianne shared a series of snaps from her “solo getaway” at the Glasshouse Retreat, telling fans how “wonderful” it was.

      She said: “I have certainly made the most of it massage, facials, morning swimming, yoga class ,meditation country side walks , cooking demos.

      “I even joined in on a self love workshop. I certainly feel refreshed and ready to take on a new week.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Craig Revel Horwood slammed by ex pro James Jordan

      Craig Revel Horwood has been slammed for “undermarking” Rose Ayling-Ellis.

      On Saturday night the EastEnders actress was nearly awarded a full house of 10s for her Waltz – but was let down by Craig.

      Former pros Ola and James Jordan admitted they were completely “baffled” by his decision as they questioned his judging.

      Writing in their column for Hello, James said: “It was probably the best Waltz we have ever seen on Strictly. I do not understand where Craig was coming from with that nine.

      “Rose may have had a tiny slip up with her footwork, but there are tiny imperfections in every routine – even ones that Craig has given tens for in the past.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Judges votes

      Motsi Mabuse chose to save John and Johannes, saying: "Well, I think both couples deserve to stay in the competition but that is not how it works. For me this was a very difficult decision, but I’m going to save John and Johannes.” 

      Anton Du Beke chose to save John and Johannes, and said: "Like Motsi and Craig, I’d have you both in the final quite frankly. Rhys came out and danced and I thought that would do for me.

      "John came out and I thought, here we go. But then, you’ve just got to look at it and go, OK what do I like? For me tonight, in such an even contest, my nod goes to John and Johannes.”

      With three votes to John and Johannes, it meant they had won the majority vote, and Rhys and Nancy would be leaving the competition. Head Judge Shirley Ballas said she would have agreed with her fellow judges, and saved John and Johannes. 

    • Louis Allwood

      Rhys Stephenson booted off show

      Rhys and his partner Nancy Xu performed their Samba to It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera) by Michael Bublé.

      Then, John and his partner Johannes Radebe performed their Jive to Higher Power by Coldplay, in a bid to impress the judges and secure their place in the final.  

      After both couples had danced, the judges delivered their verdicts, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save John and Johannes.

      Craig said: “In all the years I’ve been doing the show since 2004, I really do not want to make this decision tonight.

      "This has been one of the most amazing dance offs I’ve ever witnessed. Both couples are equal and both couples deserve to go through and I just want to put both couples through.

      "I know I’m not allowed to do that so I have to choose. I’m going on the technical side and it’s to do with clean finishes. I’d like to put through to the final, John and Johannes.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Fans convinced Giovanni is ‘madly in love’ with Rose

      Giovanni planted a warm smooch on the Eastenders actress when they realised they were making it to next week's final.

      He cuddled Rose and brought her in close, describing working with her as "a dream".

      The pair were overjoyed to receive glowing praise from the judges but fans were too distracted by their closeness.

      Viewers watching at home were convinced the professional dancers was head over heels with Rose.

      "Giovanni is madly in love and you’ll not convince me otherwise," wrote one fan on Twitter.

    • Louis Allwood

      Nadiya Bychkova hits back at kissing rumours

      Nadiya Bychkova last night broke her silence over the Dan Walker hug and said: “I was glad I was there for him.”

      The pair had been dogged by false rumours ever since she was seen comforting the married BBC Breakfast star backstage.

      Last night this year’s finalists were confirmed after Rhys ­Stephenson was voted off at the final hurdle.

      Meanwhile, Nadiya, 32, insisted she is just a very good friend for Dan, 44, who was upset over the death of his footballer pal Gary Speed.

      The Ukrainian beauty also said he was a “gentleman”.

      She recalled of their cuddle: “It was a very difficult day for Dan. It was a full-on week in general, a lot of work, and it had made him emotional."

    • Joseph Gamp

      John & Johannes through

      Anton has sent the couple through.

      Meaning Rhys & Nancy will be heading off the show tonight.

      What a tight semi-final dance-off! Loved it!

    • Joseph Gamp

      Motsi chooses John & Johannes

      Motsi has decided to put the all-male couple through.

      But she says it's the hardest choice she's had to make.

    • Joseph Gamp

      Craig putting through John & Johannes

      Mr Nasty says he does not want to make a decision.

      One of the most amazing dance-offs – and he wants to put them both through.

      However,John & Johannes are going through for their clinical technique.

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