Yahoo News Michelle Visage is voted out of 'Strictly' amid flurry of controversy over Vogue routine
Michelle Visage has been voted out of Strictly Come Dancing over a routine that has bitterly divided viewer opinion.
Her Vogue-inspired Couple’s Choice routine with Giovanni Pernice had promised to be one of the highlights of the annual episode from Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, especially when Visage gave an emotional explanation of how much the dance meant to her.
Read more: Anton du Beke gets his first 10s in 17 series of Strictly
But not everyone got it, with ex-pro dancer James Jordan branding it “not dancing, just posing” and many viewers were in agreement.
Michelle
Not for me, sorry.... not dancing just posing#Score 5
Obviously needs the LGBTQIA community’s vote after being in the dance off— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) November 16, 2019
Think Michelle and Giovanni could be in trouble again this week after that dance. There didn't seem to be much dancing and even Giovanni didn't look interested. Has Michelle reached her limit? #Strictly
— Joanne (@tigger1675) November 16, 2019
That was a lovely bit of strutting around by Michelle. Followed by some sitting down.
Not a lot of dancing from her though 😕#Strictly— Matthew Mclane (@MatthewMclane) November 16, 2019
However, other viewers who understood the significance of vogueing for the LGBTQ community and how much Visage’s dedication meant disagreed with the opinion that it didn’t include enough dancing.
A lot of people probably didn't understand the significance of what @michellevisage & @pernicegiovann1 did and it might cost some votes, but it wasn't for them & wasn't about getting the highest score. Thank you Michelle for always fighting for our LGBT community. 🏳️🌈 #Strictly
— Elizabeth ⚡ (@strengthtodream) November 16, 2019
What @michellevisage did last night was bigger than #Strictly Anyone who dismisses it is also dismissing an entire culture in their ignorance. Michelle once again stood up for & shone a light on the #LGBTQA+ community and she did us proud. Thank you! We will love you forever!
— Katie GB (@KatieGrovesBond) November 17, 2019
Michelle honoured her past & present and did something never seen before on #Strictly, I hope she’s proud 🏳️🌈💃🏻✨
Not everyone was going to get or appreciate it, but we do. And her talking about the community in the VT made me sob 😭
💕 @michellevisage pic.twitter.com/Nb5p50ebYc— Dan✨ (@danwardle) November 16, 2019
It wasn’t a big surprise to see them in the dance off as they were bottom of the leaderboard during a particularly strong week, but they were up against Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard who faced their first time in the bottom two after a dance that had impressed judges and fans.
Barker cried as her name was called out for the dance off, but ultimately managed to impress the judges with her Quickstep and stay in the competition.
All four judges voted to keep Barker instead of Visage, something that did not go down well with lots of Strictly fans.
So gutted for Michelle Visage. She’s been incredible the whole series! Such a shame that the vast majority of #Strictly viewers are ignorant when it comes to vogueing and ball culture. #Strictlyresults
— ✨ 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢 ✨ 🏳️🌈 (@CarlySimoneXo) November 17, 2019
So sorry to see @michellevisage and @pernicegiovann1 leave the #Strictly competition tonight. I don't think the strictly audience was ready for vogueing because that dance was on point! The LGBTQ+ community will always love you Michelle! Thank you for always fighting for us 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
— 🐼Seb🐼 (@SebPandabear) November 17, 2019
Absolutely gutted Michelle is out she should’ve been a finalist but thank you for these past 9 weeks @michellevisage you’ll be a huge loss to the show #Strictly
— Dyl🏴n (@HausofDylan95) November 17, 2019
michelle was robbed goodnight #Strictly #StrictlyResults
— olivia (@Liv_Liv_Liv__) November 17, 2019
Visage had no regrets about her choice of dance, saying: “To be here for my husband, my kids, an entire community, that’s why I did what I did and I’m so honoured.”
Both Visage and Pernice made reference to recent reports that they had fallen out during training, admitting that they did have a fiery relationship but also a lot of respect for each other.
Read more: Michelle Visage calls Giovanni Pernice her rock as she dismisses rift rumours
Visage said: “I knew we would be dynamic, we would be explosive, we would love as much as we fight.
“And I love him so much.”
"The most unique couple #Strictly has ever seen." Thank you for the sass and class you brought to the show @MichelleVisage and @pernicegiovann1. This Strictly family will miss you. pic.twitter.com/7qiooihgIE
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 17, 2019
She also called him “my rock, my best friend” and added “he could take it as much as he could dish it...I’m going to miss seeing him every day.”
Pernice told his partner: “We laugh, we cry, we fight, we argue. I’ve loved every minute, I think you are inspirational and with this dance you wanted to send a message.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.
