Strictly Come Dancing fans rumble next exit after 'death slot' performance

Strictly Come Dancing fans have spotted a tell-tale sign that may indicate who might be bowing out after enduring what's infamously known as the 'death slot' during the quarter-finals.

As Musicals Week hit the dance floor on Saturday, only six couples remained vying for the glitter ball: Montell Douglas paired with Johannes Radebe, Sarah Hadland dancing alongside Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri with pro Aljaz Skorjanec, Chris McCausland partnered with Dianne Buswell, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, and Pete Wicks with Jowita Przystal.

However, tonight's episode sparked outrage amongst viewers when Montell and Johannes were given the dreaded 'death slot', the programme's second performance following the opener. Given a rumba - a style often seen as a competition kiss of death - speculation is rife that Montell could be the next to go.

Disgruntlement flooded social media, with one viewer venting, "Montell doing the rumba in the death spot... the producers could not be more obvious that they want her gone #strictly." Another fan added: "Not another death slot rumba... no! All of us Montell and Johannes fans need to mass vote this week #strictly."

Echoes of concern continued with remarks like "they've only gone and put montell in the death slot with a rumba... #strictly," and "Oh they are setting her up to fail. The worst style of dance.... #strictly." Another wrote on social media: "Hope Montell does well, usually rumba is what people go out on."

The tension follows Jamie Borthwick's departure, who was the ninth to leave after losing out in the dance-off against Montell.

Reflecting on his departure, Jamie said: "Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show."

"I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]."

He added: "She's a new pro and she's absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you."

His dance partner Michelle chimed in: "I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week. He's worked so hard to get to where he is."

"It's my first year with a partner and I've realised that it's so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it's the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way."

*Strictly Come Dancing airs Sunday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.