BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers say 'stitch-up' as Paul Merson struggles to 'fake it'

Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming for Paul Merson as they claimed he was 'stitched up' during his first performance of the series with professional dance partner Karen Hauer.

Following the pre-recorded launch show last weekend, week one of the BBC One dance contest kicked off on Saturday night (September 21) with a routine from the professional dancers, who dressed in colourful outfits and danced an array of flamenco, cha cha, paso doble and salsa moves to a medley of songs.

It was then soon over the the couples to get their run in the 2024 series underway with their first routines live in the ballroom. DIY SOS star Nick Knowles and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk who opened the competition.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shayne Ward reveals adorable words from actress partner over show stint

Nick, who is celebrating his 62nd birthday, donned an orange hi-vis jacket while he jived with Luba to We Built This City by Starship. which before scoring 18 points from the judges.

Elsewhere, former field hockey player Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin performed a foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes. Sam, who was given 23 points by the judges, was told by Motsi Mabuse that she was "shining while head judge Shirley Ballas told her she had "attitude".

Later in the evening, it was over to the former footballer Paul to take to the floor alongside Karen with their American smooth to none other than Vindaloo by Fat Les.

Craig Revel Horwood was quick to say: "Fred and Ginger it wasn’t," before telling Paul he was "pigeon-toed and flat-footed". Shirle, meanwhile, described the routine as "entertaining and coordinated" but that she "couldn’t recognise it as an American smooth," while Motsi said it "was special and different".

Strictly viewers, meanwhile, were flocking to social media to slam the choice of song for Paul and Karen's first performance of the series. @BrookeAnnTyler said: "Merse was never going to be the best dancer, but making him do an american smooth to vindaloo is a massive, massive stitch up #Strictly."

Paul and Karen during their rotuine -Credit:BBC
Paul and Karen during their rotuine -Credit:BBC

@FizzyBlue2 fumed: "Giving Paul Merson Vindaloo to dance to and a stupid outfit, he didn't stand a chance #Strictly Turning him into the novelty act from the start#scd." @clt19 complained: "I Feel For @karen_hauer And Paul’Merson! I Mean Seriously?! Vindaloo?! How Is She Supposed To Even Begin To Choreograph An American Smooth Style Dance To That? So So Unfair!! #strictlycomedancing #Strictly."

However, @shinystaffnurse posted: "Vindaloo? American smooth? Best thing I’ve ever seen on strictly. Bloody brilliant. This is what Saturday night is all about #Strictly." @calamityaimz shared: "That....was not as bad as I thought it was gonna be, considering it was an American Smooth (?) To Vindaloo by Fat Les.... Karen, you're a genius #Strictly #scd." @OMG_ItsHer_ added: "#Strictly do you know what I don't care VINDALOO put a smile on my face that was fun !!!! Thanks Karen and Paul."

Others, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice Paul's reaction to being on the show throughout the night. @Gruaig_Rua said: "#strictly He hasn't danced a step, but I need Paul Merson to stay in for as long as possible! He doesn't do fake enthusiam, does he?" @jhuntridge commented: "Paul Merson looks very much like he doesn't know what show he's on. #Strictly." @Ms_JulieJ added: "Paul Merson is looking very bewildered and more than a little confused #Strictly."