Aston Merrygold was “robbed” of victory on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, judge Craig Revel Horwood claims.
The JLS singer was a regular at the top of the leaderboard in the 2017 series and was widely tipped to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
But he was controversially eliminated midway through the competition in a lowly 10th place, one of the show’s biggest upsets in years.
Read more: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas lashes out after Craig Revel Horwood insulted her boobs
Speaking on last night’s BBC2 spin-off It Takes Two, Craig was asked by a viewer which of the celebrities he was looking forward to seeing return to the ballroom on Strictly’s Christmas Day special.
He replied jokingly: “Well apart from Ann Widdecombe, darling!”
The panellist added: “But, Aston because I thought he was rather robbed, you know, on the show.
“He just got a dance on that show that didn’t really suit him, and he was up against a ballroom dance.
“And he is a fantastic dancer and I want to see him dance more.”
Read more: JLS’s Aston Merrygold sends message of support to bandmate Oritsé Williams
Aston was eliminated in week seven after his Viennese waltz with professional partner Janette Manrara landed him in the bottom two on the leaderboard.
Yet Craig actually cast a crucial vote to save fellow contestant Mollie King in the dance-off, with Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell backing Aston.
It meant head judge Shirley Ballas had the final say, and she sided with Mollie, sending Aston home.
The pop star is one of six former Strictly celebs competing for the Silver Star trophy on this year’s festive special.
The others are Ann Widdecombe, Caroline Flack, Jake Wood, Anita Rani and Michael Vaughan.
Meanwhile, seven couples currently remain in the main 2018 series.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1 at 6.50pm tonight. The Christmas Day special will air on the channel at a time to be confirmed.
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