Strictly Come Dancing exit 'sealed' as fans air concern for Paul Merson

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are up in arms, convinced that football icon Paul Merson is being set up as the show's "laughing stock".

The 56-year-old sports star has had a rocky journey on the dance floor, facing the threat of elimination twice already. Yet, Paul demonstrated significant progress last weekend with his Quickstep to 'I Won't Dance', successfully steering clear of the dance-off alongside his dance partner Karen Hauer during Sunday's results show.

Despite this, there's a wave of concern among viewers this week as Karen and Paul prepare to perform the Samba to 'Car Wash' by Rose Royce. Given the nature of the song and dance, a number of fans suspect the show's producers are intentionally framing Paul as the comic relief.

On Reddit, one viewer expressed their frustration: "After giving Paul a serious dance, they're back to giving him a joke song."

This sentiment was mirrored by another who commented: "And back to Paul being made a laughing stock," reports Devon Live.

Another fan added their voice to the discussion, saying: "Paul did a lovely, classic ballroom number last week. But I think the Samba will be his undoing, and he'll be next out."

This isn't the first instance where fans have voiced their displeasure at the producers for casting Paul in the role of the "joke act" through the choice of song and dance. Following his commendable performance last week, a supporter remarked on X: "Paul was fantastic this week, we finally get to see a serious dance instead of being made the joke act ..well done Paul and Karen."

Another concurred, praising the performance: "Brilliant! A proper dance from Paul, exactly what he deserves. No silly gimmicks or props, he doesn't need to be the 'joke' act. Well done".

A third viewer chimed in with high praise for the older contestants, remarking: "See what happens when you don't make the older men joke acts? They actually have the confidence to dance well! Paul and Wynne both have so much potential."

However, it's not just Paul who's causing a stir among Strictly enthusiasts because of his song selection. Pete Wicks, alongside his dance partner Jowita Przysta, is set to perform the Rumba to Oasis' hit "Don't Look Back In Anger", prompting one apprehensive fan to express their concern: " I'm Worried for Pete this week is his first slow Latin dance, and he's really exposed. I'm also not keen on the song choice for a Rumba, to be honest."

Another observer pontificated, adding fuel to the fire: "Pete doing a rumba, that's going to fuel the rumours also that song I wouldn't associate with a rumba."

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.