Strictly Come Dancing has come under fire from a former professional dancer over Ross King’s exit in the latest episode.
The ITV star, 63, had repeatedly been tipped as the most likely to make an early exit from the series, with the LA correspondent lasting until Week Three with partner Jowita Przystał.
Last weekend, they found themselves in the dance-off along with Balvinder Sopal and Julian Callion, who were unanimously saved by the judges.
Mr King took the elimination gracefully, thanking his Strictly partner and all involved in the show for the experience before urging others to “try new things”.
BBC Strictly: Ross King left in the latest episode during Movie Week
| BBCHowever, former Strictly pro Brendan Cole has argued Mr King’s exit was pre-planned by show bosses.
The New Zealand-born dancer, who starred in the series from 2004 to 2017, commented: “This is the show’s problem by deciding who performs what.
“Even though he performed what he’d been given quite well, there was no way he could have saved himself… The whole concept and dance was absolute rubbish.”
Speaking to The Sun, the controversial choreographer went on: “What a dreadful outfit, dreadful theme, dreadful dance – dreadful all around.”
BBC Strictly: Brendan Cole in 2011
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Mr King left during the show’s Movie Week theme, which saw him and Ms Przystał performing a routine honouring Thunderbirds.
Meanwhile, another former professional, Vincent Simone, has echoed Mr Cole’s stance on the latest exit.
“I think it was the best dance Ross had done so far… His Paso Doble moves were better than Chris’s [Robshaw]," he remarked.
Mr Simone argued the Lorraine star had an unfair disadvantage in the dance-off when his routine was compared against Ms Balvinder’s elegant performance.
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Mr Cole agreed, adding: “He did exactly as he’d been asked but when the pro looks a bit ridiculous and the star looks the same, who’s going to vote for it?
“That’s just not how the show works. Two weeks in a row now, the show’s influence has essentially had contestants thrown out.”
Mr Cole concluded: “If the public don’t save them, the couple has no hope - it’s ruining the show.”
Mr King became the second celebrity to be eliminated after former The Apprentice star Thomas King was voted out in the first week.
BBC Strictly: Ross King took part in the dreaded dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal
| BBCMr King didn't seem to indicate feeling the decision had been unjust, though, focusing his exit speech instead on how much he'd miss the fun experience.
"I have loved every single minute of it," he reflected, appearing emotional on Sunday night's show.
He continued: "I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, all the people who voted - they've been amazing.
BBC Strictly: Ross King and Jowita Przystal became the second couple to be eliminated from BBC Strictly
| BBC"I want to thank everyone here in this room, backstage, the judges, the crew - every single person here has made me so, so welcome.
"And, I want to thank a very special lady who has been with me through it all and has been absolutely everything: she’s been a mentor, teacher, carer...
"I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show. Thank you, judges, for all your remarks."