BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson hits back as fans horrified by Craig Revel Horwood jibe

Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson shot back after Craig Revel Horwood aimed an "out of order" jibe at the former footballer. The Sky Sports pundit took to the dancefloor tonight with his partner, Karen Hauer.

The second week of season 22 means it is the first elimination of the new season. Merson was aiming to avoid being the first celebrity to be eliminated in this year's race to the Glitterball.

The former Arsenal player thrilled viewers as he danced the Salsa to Fireball. The routine was themed around a barbecue gone wrong and Merson earned a huge ovation from the crowd at the end of the routine.

However, the 56-year-old failed to impress Craig as he tore into the routine. The judge said: "Obviously, the drinks at the BBQ gave you the confidence to do that."

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Merson shot back after the comment: "I don't drink." Merson is a recovering alcoholic and has been candid about his sobriety journey. Fans following the show on social media platform X were taken aback by Craig's comment.

Paul said: "He probably wasn’t aware, but Craig making alcohol related jokes to an alcoholic wasn’t the best" Jane commented: "Craig, you don’t say that to a recovering alcoholic"

Heather added: "Oh gosh not really good of Craig to make a drinks joke to Paul Merson." James said: "Craig making a drink comment to a recovering alcoholic"

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A viewer named Paul said: "Craig making a drinks comment to a recovering alcoholic is out of order." Darren posted: "Craig Revell Horwood telling recovering alcoholic Paul Merson that the drinks gave him confidence, bad taste"

Craig continued to criticise Paul's routine as he gave him a score of 2. He added: "It was like a comedy dance at a wedding. You were glued to the floor and Karen did everything dancing around you. I've got to commend you however on the lifts."

Shirley was more complimentary as the Wallasey judge said: "It's not every often that I'm speechless, but I'm a little bit lost for words. What I can say is that was pure entertainment." Merson received a grand total of 15.