Strictly: Sarah Hadland dances to M People's 'Proud'
The stakes are high on Strictly Come Dancing as the remaining contestants vie for their spot at Blackpool. After Icons Week, this week saw the celebrities and their professional partners hoping to make it to the prestigious Blackpool Tower ballroom.
Saturday (November 9) saw former TOWIE star Pete Wicks and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal perform a couple's choice routine to The Best by Nicotine Dolls, a tribute to Pete's late nan.
Before his performance, the TV personality admitted it had been a 'tough' week, confessing he'd spent more time 'crying than dancing' during rehearsals.
On Strictly's companion show It Takes Two, Pete revealed that it was the first time he'd listened to the full song since his nan's funeral and that he hasn't been able to complete the routine without crying due to the personal significance of the song choice.
Pete managed to keep his emotions in check during his powerful performance, but was seen with a trembling lip after finishing the dance and hearing the judges' comments, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Unexpectedly, he received a 10 from judge Shirley Ballas, an 8 from Craig, a 9 from Motsi and a 9 from Anton, giving them a total score of 36 and placing them 4th on the leaderboard.
While Pete's dance performance garnered admiration from the audience, many viewers felt that Shirley Ballas had given him a 'sympathy' score and called for 'justice' for Sarah Hadland.
Sarah and her partner Vito Coppola found themselves in 6th place on the leaderboard with a score of 33 from the judges, sparking debate among fans over the fairness of the scoring. Some pointed out the discrepancy in Shirley awarding Pete a 10 while giving Sarah an 8.
Social media was abuzz with comments from disgruntled fans. On Twitter, @reddevil1975 rallied support with: "Justice for Sarah and Vito! ! ! #teamtiramisu #Strictly," while @TheRealDeclanK1 remarked: "I really liked Pete's dance but that 10 was out of sympathy #Strictly."
@allies_pau15953 expressed confusion: "So Pete got 9s and 10. Sarah got 8s? I JUST DONT GET IT #strictly," and @Hoolie206 questioned the high score: "I understand that that was emotional for Pete, but I'm sorry, it was not a 10 #strictly."
The sentiment was shared by @_erinz_, who tweeted: "Pete's routine was gorgeous - but a 10 for that is absolutely *insane*, Sarah should feel aggrieved #Strictly," Similarly, @dmoly criticized the judges: "I like Pete but seriously a 10 and Sarah gets 8's. The judges playing games with the public! #strictly."
@MegMont2 also chimed in: "There is no way on earth Pete deserved a 10 over Sarah #Strictly," and @9VicMan posed the question: "On what planet does Sarah deserve an 8 and Pete a 10? ? ? #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly."
