BBC Strictly fans issue same major complaint as Angela Rippon’s ‘let off’ for mistake

Angela Rippon took on a Paso Doble to Madonna’s Hung Up this evening with her partner Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing.

Despite making an apparent error, which was picked up on by head judge Shirley Ballas, she scored very well from the judging panel, with Motsi Mabuse telling the 79-year-old: “This Paso is going to Blackpool.”

This did not sit well with viewers at home who are convinced the show has been “rigged” in order to get Angela to Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom next weekend.

Former newsreader Angela used to host Come Dancing, which was based in Blackpool many decades ago.

Following her performance, Craig Revel Horwood was filled with praise for Angela and her “leg extensions” which put a beaming smile on her face.

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse added: “That took a lot of courage to do, you went all the way… You gave it absolutely everything, I love to see a dance where I can recognise without hearing music.”

She concluded: “This is a Paso and this Paso is going to Blackpool ladies and gentlemen – that was amazing.”

Head judge Shirley told Angela she had come back from the dreaded dance-off last weekend with a “sting in your tail”.

While Shirley noted Angela had a “little slip”, she insisted it did not matter as she quickly pressed on with the rest of the dance.

“You, young lady, are about content, content, content,” Shirley added. “You got out there and you did the job.”

The judges scored Angela 32 points out of a possible 40 – the same as Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.

Fans were quick to hit out over Angela’s scores and routine on social media following her dance.

Mrs O fumed: “Ridiculous. Angela slipped. She couldn’t step with conviction. The judges wouldn’t let anyone else away with it – even previous contestants with prosthetic limbs or hearing impairments. The judges are embarrassing themselves.”

Another fan quipped: “Shirley & Co. ‘We’re sending Angela Rippon to Blackpool even if she’s up against Darcey Bussell in the Dance Off.'”

Dave fumed: “The producers have definitely got some Come Dancing stuff planned for Angela in Blackpool and come hell or high water they are making sure she gets there.”

Eva added: “Motsi and Shirley standing up to make sure the audience knows that Angela of course needs to make Blackpool… it’s so rigged #strictly.”

Christopher remarked: “The BBC seem hellbent on getting Angela Rippon to Blackpool #strictly.”

Molly said: “Oh here we go, get Angela to Blackpool agenda #Strictly.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s result show airs tomorrow evening on BBC One.