Strictly: Paul Merson is eliminated following dance-off
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in shock this weekend as fan-favourite JB Gill landed in the dreaded dance-off against sports star Paul Merson.
The unexpected match-up wasn't the only aspect leaving audiences stunned as many expressed their disappointment that the traditional big group number was scrapped from the start of the results show.
Instead, the result show began with a recap of Saturday's performances, leading into the announcement of the safe contestants, with the group dance slotted in halfway.
Ex-Strictly professional Ola Jordan, collaborating with Mecca Bingo, wasn't shy about sharing her critique on these alterations, reports Birmingham Live.
When probed about the absence of a starting group number, she remarked: "I haven't noticed the change-up in the results show.
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"It's not like you don't have the group number. The group number is still there, it's just a different position."
However, she was more vexed by the lack of Strictly's characteristic theme music during the dancers' entrance.
Ola added: "Other things bother me more like when the couples come down the stairs in the main show, they don't come down to the strictly music anymore. For me, that's all about coming down with Strictly music. That's like the iconic thing, but they took that away.
"Tess and Claudia don't come down to Strictly music, nor do the judges, it's all random music now, which is weird for me. I find that weirder than the pro numbers at the beginning of the results show, I think."
The competition waved goodbye to Paul during the nail-biting results show, following in the footsteps of previous departees Tom Dean, Toyah Willcox, and Nick Knowles.
Reflecting on his journey through the dance spectacle, Paul shared with Tess Daly: "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!"
Paul gushed over his Strictly stint, saying, "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."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm
