Fans have rallied around Tameka Empson after she became the second contestant to get the boot from Strictly.
The EastEnders actress, 39, is off the show following a dance-off which took place with TV presenter Laura Whitmore, 31, despite Tameka having an injury.
Last week’s episode saw radio DJ Melvin Odoom, 36, leave the show after receiving the fewest public votes, after Anastacia, 48, was allowed to pull out of the dance-off due to a serious injury.
“I did have injuries today but I didn’t really want to focus on that,” Tameka said.
“It was always going to be tough in the whole competition but I’m really gutted that I’m leaving.”
Tameka is thought to have suffered problems with her knee and back.
Her dance partner Gorka Marquez accepted the judges’ decision to save Laura.
Sad to leave, but is part of the game @Tameka_Empson so proud of you! Congrats to @thewhitmore @pernicegiovann1. Thanks to everyone!! pic.twitter.com/O5bDva6d8a
— Gorka Marquez (@gorkamarquez1) October 9, 2016
But TV star Miranda Hart was not so happy:
Genuinely confused why @Tameka_Empson was voted off @bbcstrictly She was one of my highlights and why I was watching.So funny. And good.
— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) October 9, 2016
Gabby Logan was also unimpressed, retweeting Miranda’s message with a thumbs down logo:
This 👇 https://t.co/kod6J6EB54
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) October 9, 2016
Professional dancer Kevin Clifton, who is partnered with Louise Redknapp, paid tribute:
Gutted to see @Tameka_Empson and @gorkamarquez1 leave @bbcstrictly this weekend. Loved their partnership
— Kevin Clifton (@keviclifton) October 9, 2016
Former professional dancer Robin Windsor was annoyed:
Not happy with tonight's @bbcstrictly result!!!! I loved her!!!!! @Tameka_Empson
— Robin Windsor (@Robinwindsor) October 9, 2016
Some viewers wondered whether Tameka had accidentally let slip the result before it was broadcast.
Morning! Thank you to those for vote for @gorkamarquez1 and I. We had a great time. Yes, I've been Tangoed, but tune in #SundayBrunch now...
— Tameka Empson (@Tameka_Empson) October 9, 2016
Tameka later said that by “tangoed”, she hadn’t meant that she’d got the boot.
@freederrycorner @SundayBrunchC4 @gorkamarquez1 my love I meant tangoed as in tired and getting up early to do the Sunday Brunch Show.
— Tameka Empson (@Tameka_Empson) October 9, 2016
The exit of two black stars in the first weeks has also sparked a racism row.
#Strictly voters at home show their racist leanings again. 2 shows. 2 black dancers eliminated.
— David Barber (@Davidtarleton) October 9, 2016
Nothing shows how racist the UK is quite like #Strictly
— Matt Greer (@JussiTheCat) October 9, 2016
Those who think #Strictly is racist because 2 black celebs have gone need to have a serious word with themselves. Idiots.
— Emzie Langan (@EmzieLangan) October 9, 2016
Is there a racist element to public vote on #Strictly ? We'll know for sure if Ore goes next week.
— Robert Weaver (@robweaverwm) October 9, 2016
