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Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘horrified’ after judges axe fan-favourite Aston Merrygold in biggest shock in competition’s history
STRICTLY bosses have been left “horrified” as judges axed Aston Merrygold in its biggest ever shock.
Studio insiders revealed even top producers gasped in astonishment as the former JLS star, one of the best celeb dancers in the show’s history, got the boot.
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Some execs fear a viewers’ backlash over the decision to oust one of their most popular stars after judge Craig Revel Horwood harshly gave him a score of just four.
Many fans were already expressing outrage hours before the pre-recorded result was announced last night — after it was leaked online.
A source said: “Behind the scenes, the crew were left open-mouthed by the decision and feared it would spark a bad reaction from fans.
“Of course the public vote is a major factor but ultimately the judges make the final call.
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“Some of the production team were totally horrified and even annoyed to see such a good dancer get the boot when there is so much more of the series left. It’s the biggest shock in the show’s history, without a doubt.”
Aston’s “gutted” mum also joined the outrage. Speaking from her home in Peterborough, Siobhan Merrygold, 49, told The Sun: “For me, it was way too soon for him to go out.”
Many close to the show believe he was penalised for his previous dancing experience, having been a judge on Sky’s Got To Dance.
Bookies had Aston, 29, partnered by pro dancer Janette Manrara, firm favourite from week one.
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But they were in a bottom two dance-off against struggling Saturday’s star Mollie King, with her pro AJ Pritchard.
Mollie had previously only narrowly avoided the chop. Yet after a tied judges’ vote, with Craig and Shirley Ballas opting to save Mollie, the new head judge used her deciding vote to oust the ex-boyband star.
The show has continued to be a huge ratings winner and was watched by 11.4million on Saturday, its highest figure so far this year.
But by yesterday morning, as news of the decision reached fans, hundreds vented their frustration online.
Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara perform the Viennese Waltz on Strictly Come Dancing
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One raged: “They have definitely lost a lot of viewers.” Another said: “Strictly gone mad.”
Aston’s mum said he would find it difficult but his girlfriend Sarah Richards’s pregnancy would help to distract him.
She added: “He’s so, so excited about that. It’s due mid-January.”
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Ola and James's verdict
EX-Strictly pros James and Ola Jordan blasted Craig Revel Horwood after Aston Merrygold’s exit.
Outraged James, 39, said it “helps Debbie McGee”.
He added: “They’re overmarking her clearly.
“She got a perfect 40 on Saturday and seems to be the judges’ favourite.
“Now that Aston won’t be going to the final it makes it easier for Debbie to win.”
James and Ola called the panel’s decision to axe Aston “terrible”.
James said judge Craig “ruined the show” by giving Aston just a four — putting him at risk of being in the bottom two.
He added: “Aston is probably one of the best male celebs we’ve had on Strictly. It’s a joke.”
