Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Fans think they know who'll be eliminated first

Strictly Come Dancing fans think they know who will first to be booted off the hit BBC show
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Speculation is rife among viewers about which Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant will be the first to depart in next week's elimination. It's not the most obvious candidate taking part in the hit BBC show.

However, contrary to initial fears that he'd been "stitched up" to be "the joke act", Paul Merson is not expected to leave first, according to fans. After being announced that he and his pro dance partner Karen Hauer would be performing an American Smooth to classic football song Vindaloo by Fat Les, many viewers thought it spelled certain doom for Merson.

Accusations of "sabotage" abounded with thoughts that this song choice would guarantee Paul's swift departure. But much to the audience's surprise, Paul impressed them during Saturday's launch episode, defying expectations that he wouldn't perform well.

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He garnered commendation from both the judges and home audience, leading to a pivot in fan sentiment as they now rally to keep him in the competition. Unfortunately, another contestant did not fare as well with their routine.

Following a lacklustre Tango to Madonna's Ray of Light with her pro partner Neil Jones, Toyah Wilcox found herself on the receiving end of critiques and low scores. Show host Claudia Winkleman was quick to offer consolation to distressed Toyah, reports the Mirror.

Social media reactions came flooding in post-performance and continued as the judges' scores were tallied. There was a consensus amongst many viewers that Toyah and Neil might face an early exit, with one fan lamenting: "Neil looking like he could be voted off first again."

Another fan expressed concern: "Toyah will be at risk next week," while another speculated: "Think Toyah could go first though."

Another viewer suggested the show's timing was off: "I remember the tango wasn't into the show until week 5. They are doing it too early I think they are blowing it for dancers who would do better in the long run."

The situation escalated following Paul's song choice, which reportedly did not sit well with the former sportsman upon its announcement. A source alleged that producers had to "re-record" his reaction due to his evident disappointment.

An spectator shared with the Daily Mail: "You can't blame him for thinking he is being set up to be the joke act, but also the connotations of it [the song] are also not exactly positive either. It has been accused of being racist and the song that far-Right football hooligans sing."

During the launch show, viewers witnessed Paul's disheartened response when his dance was unveiled. With a look of shock and his mouth agape, Paul queried: "What dance is it again? " Attempting to inject some humour into the situation, his dance partner Karen quipped: "It's an American Smooth but it might be bumpier than that."