Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas slapped down a viewer on Twitter following the Sunday night results show.
BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker and pro partner Nadiya Bychkova were duly eliminated at the quarter finals stage.
They lost a dance off against AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington, who bungled a lift on Saturday (December 4).
But even though the result was not a surprise, Shirley spoke out after someone suggested Dan had been ‘marked up’.
What did the Strictly viewer say to Shirley Ballas?
Ahead of the result being announced, a Twitter user indicated to Shirley she had marked Dan’s Tango too highly.
Shirley gave Dan and Nadiya a 9 for their efforts. Fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke scored the couple 7, 8 and 7.
Read more: Strictly news: BBC bosses make major rule change ahead of the finale
The social media user tweeted at head judge Shirley, adding laughing emojis to their post: “9 for Dan Walker, you are having a laugh.”
Furthermore, the tweet was made in response to a retweet by Shirley. That retweet suggested people shouldn’t be saying anything if they don’t have anything nice to say.
How did Shirley respond?
Quote-tweeting the viewer’s message, Shirley turned the criticism upside-down by hinting she hadn’t been generous enough with Dan.
She fired back: “No actually I was considering a 10 @mrdanwalker.
A little hiccup on balance but other than that superb.
“Fabulous routine. A little hiccup on balance but other than that superb.”
How Twitter followers reacted
Followers were delighted by Shirley’s sassy response – and others ticked off the original tweeter.
“Shirley is head judge for a reason,” replied one supporter.
“Because she knows what she’s talking about! Please be kind and show her some respect! Love ya, Shirl!”
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Another reasoned: “There’s a reason that Shirley’s a judge and the public do get a vote. Instead of putting their negativity into tweets perhaps they could try doing some positive voting instead.”
Read more: Strictly news: BBC torn over Anton du Beke and Bruno Tonioli for next year’s panel
And another follower backed Shirley: “Shirley is not having a laugh, don’t be so rude. She is the expert, not you.”
Strictly Come Dancing next airs on Saturday December 11 on BBC One at 7.05pm.
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