Strictly: Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez are sent home
Strictly Come Dancing fans were up in arms on Sunday evening when two of the show's contestants saddled up for an intense dance-off. Dr Punam Krishan and her partner Gorka Marquez returned to the stage with their Tango, while Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu reprised their Paso Doble.
Despite it being Dr Punam's debut in the bottom two and Shayne's repeated dance-off experience, judges favoured the ex-X Factor sensation over the medical professional.
Shirley Ballas, residing as head judge, confessed if the decision came down to her, she also would've picked Shayne to stay, reports the Mirror.
Social media was ablaze post-elimination, with viewers echoing a unanimous sentiment. One disgruntled fan posted: "Punam was absolutely robbed. At least she danced. Gorka should have her faffing about on the spot #SCD #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."
Another viewer declared: "Punam was absolutely robbed on #strictly shane did f**k all the whole dance."
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One person wrote: "I thought Punam should have stayed. I felt that she improved on 'yesterdays' dance."
Someone else fumed: "Absolutely the wrong decision." Another commented: " I'm really going to miss Punam and Gorka. She should be so proud of herself."
Reflecting on their departure, Punam stated: "I am really proud of myself. You know, I've taken on something that's so out of my comfort zone.
"The one thing that I've very much learnt is to say yes more and that there is no point in your life when you can stop learning new skills."
"I've learnt more than dancing, I've learnt so much from Gorka. Everyone's been so incredible and it's just memories that I'll take home forever and I am very proud. I've made my family very proud, I'm just really grateful."
Gorka quickly expressed his pride in his celebrity partner, describing his time with the doctor as "incredible."
He said: "She's a GP and a Mum. She had never danced before and I think she improved week by week. I think she is truly what the show is about, someone who doesn't have experience in the performance world came here and learnt to dance.
"She wanted to do so well and worked so hard. Also I feel very proud and very honoured that we got to do a Bollywood dance, to represent your culture, show your culture to the world and open doors for so many people in your culture."
Dr Punam had struggled in the competition, consistently ranking near the bottom of the leaderboard. Her highest score was 33 in week three.
This weekend, the 41 year old performed a pirate-themed routine for the show's Halloween special, earning a total score of 26. This placed her at the bottom of the leaderboard alongside comedian Chris McCausland.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, November 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. on BBC One, with the results show on Sunday, November 3rd, at 7:20 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
