Strictly Come Dancing in ‘race row’ as Rhys Stephenson and Ugo Monye land in the dance-off – leaving fans fuming

STRICTLY Come Dancing is embroiled in a race row after Rhys Stephenson and Ugo Monye landed in the dance-off this evening.

Furious fans have flocked to social media to share their outrage following the shock result, which saw Ugo and pro partner Oti Mabuse get sent home.

3

3

While former rugby champ Ugo, 38, had a difficult week on the BBC dance show, kids TV presenter Rhys, 27, has been consistently near the higher end of the leader-board.

He has wowed judges and viewers alike with his skills on the dance floor since the very first week - and last night was no exception.

In fact, head judge Shirley Ballas was stunned that he was in the bottom two, calling him a "rising star" as she reacted: "This is why voting is so important.

"I'm absolutely in shock that you are in the bottom two, you turned in a very, very good performance when you danced."

And viewers couldn't agree more, sharing their anger over his spot in the dance-off.

Taking to social media, one fan wrote: "Not saying @bbcstrictly voters are a bit racist but…"

Most read in Reality

sad loss

Pregnant Charlotte Crosby suffers more heartbreak as beloved grandma dies

heating up

Dancing On Ice’s Vanessa Bauer reveals new professional footballer boyfriend

strong bond

Craig Revel Horwood fuels rumours Giovanni Pernice will return to Strictly

PLAYING THE JO-KER

Masked Singer fans convinced they've worked out identity of Giant Joel

Another echoed: "Why is Rhys in the bottom two on #Strictly? He's absolutely amazing.

"Was there a racist block vote to push him out? Seriously, I can't think of any other reason for him getting so few votes."

A third agreed: "Every year there a brilliant black dancer that drops into the dance off. I called it ahead of episode 2 that Rhys would end up on the wrong end of the public vote. It’s so sad that it’s so predictable."

One more fumed: "Racism and people picking favourites even tho they’re s**t dancers has caused this."

Others pointed out that Rhys and Ugo's fall to the bottom came after Judi Love was in the dance-off two weeks in a row.

🔵 Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest updates

The judges saved her both times, but she missed this week's show after testing positive for Covid in the week.

The TV favourite hopes to be well enough to return next week, with all Strictly contestants eligible for a one-week bye.

One fan wrote: "Ugo and Rhys in the bottom. Hmm… Guess if Judi comes back next week she'll be out. Hmm…"

Another agreed: "This bottom 2 feels wrong to me. Two POCs (after Judi has been in the bottom 2 for two weeks prior).

"Ugo wasn’t the best, but white celebs have been over-scored every week."

3