Strictly 'in new fix row' as Fleur East was allowed dance-off do-over

2022-11-03

‘The chair’s legs slipped and she came crashing down’: Strictly ‘is hit by another fix row after Fleur East was allowed to REDO her dance-off performance following a prop blunder’

The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola faced EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dance-off
It’s claimed that Fleur started her dance again after a horrific fall, with the moment not aired or mentioned on the result’s show
The Sax hitmaker reportedly tumbled over her prop and brought down her dance partner, and it was decided they were allowed to start again
Fleur and Vito were later saved by the judges

Strictly Come Dancing could face another potential fix row as it emerged that Fleur East was allowed to redo her dance-off performance after falling over.

The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola faced EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home.

However, it’s since been claimed that Fleur started her dance again after a horrific fall which saw her come ‘crashing down’ on her partner, with the moment not aired or mentioned on the results show.

Drama: Strictly Come Dancing could face another potential fix row as it emerged that Fleur East was allowed to redo her dance-off performance after falling over

The Sun reports that the Sax hitmaker tumbled over her prop and brought down her dance partner during their Salsa to Break My Soul by Beyoncé, with the decision made that they were allowed to start again once they were checked over by medics.

A source said: ‘It was a deeply unfortunate incident, and not Fleur or Vito’s fault at all. About five seconds in, when she was meant to pull Vito along in the prop chair, the legs slipped.

‘She came crashing down, taking Vito down too. They landed incredibly hard – it was quite shocking and the audience audibly gasped. Poor Fleur looked stunned and devastated, and no one really knew what was happening on or off stage.

‘Eventually the warm-up guy came on and addressed the audience while Fleur and Vito got checked out. They started their dance again and obviously this second version was the one aired. There was no reference to the fall by the judges either.’

Close call: The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola faced EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home

The source added to the publication that competitor James ‘wasn’t bothered at all’ by Fleur’s second chance and that he ‘genuinely believed’ that she was the better dance on the night.

However, it’s said that the other contestants backstage was ‘pretty stunned’ by what had occurred, with the insider adding that it’s ‘not exactly a live performance’ if stars are allowed ‘another crack of the whip.’

MailOnline have contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives for comment.

A BBC spokesperson said to The Sun: ‘After an incident with a prop at the beginning of Fleur and Vito’s dance-off performance, the decision was made to halt proceedings to check they were not injured.

Oh no: However, it’s since been claimed that Fleur started her dance again after a horrific fall which saw her come ‘crashing down’ on her partner, with the moment not aired or mentioned on the result’s show

Accident: The Sax hitmaker tumbled over her prop and brought down her dance partner during their Salsa to Break My Soul by Beyoncé, with the decision made that they were allowed to start again once they were checked over by medics

‘As they had not begun to dance before the incident occurred, it was decided they could start the performance again, once it was confirmed they were fit to do so.’

After both couples had danced a second time amid the Halloween special, the judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke delivered their verdicts, with all four opting to save Fleur.

It comes after Fleur was last month swept up in a sexism row involving head judge Shirley Ballas, with Fleur stepping in to defend the Queen of Latin.

Fine: The source added to the publication that competitor James ‘wasn’t bothered at all’ by Fleur’s second chance and that he ‘genuinely believed’ that she was the better dance on the night

The TV judge, 62, revealed during the show’s second dance-off that she would have opted to save radio star Richie Anderson over the singer, despite Fleur getting a better score for her performance.

And in the wake of Shirley facing a barrage of criticism for her choice, and over her alleged ‘sexist’ comments on the show, Fleur came to her defence, branding the backlash ‘really unfair’.

The former X Factor star told of her shock at the criticism Shirley faced, adding that she had the ‘upmost respect’ for her and the other judges.

Relief: After both couples had danced a second time, the judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke delivered their verdicts, with all four opting to save Fleur

Alongside claims she favours male contestants on the show, Shirley has been accused of having ‘favourites whether they have ability or not’, with many arguing that Fleur had been the superior dancer to Richie.

She has also come under attack for flirty comments about male contestants after she described Will Mellor as ‘easy on the eye’.

Fans have since defended the TV personality against the ‘uber woke’ brigade, pointing out her role on the show is to be a judge and offer criticism to help the celebrities improve.

The remaining ten couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 5th November at 7pm, with the results show on Sunday 6th November at 7:15pm on BBC One.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

KYM MARSH

Age: 46

Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter

Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’

ELLIE SIMMONDS

Age: 27

Profession: Former athlete

Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’

TYLER WEST

Age: 26

Profession: Radio DJ

Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’

ELLIE TAYLOR

Age: 38

Profession: Comedian

Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’

TONY ADAMS MBE

Age: 55

Profession: Retired footballer and manager

Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’

WILL MELLOR

Age: 46

Profession: Actor

Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’

MOLLY RAINFORD

Age: 21

Profession: Singer

Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’

FLEUR EAST

Age: 34

Profession: Singer

Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’

HAMZA YASSIN

Age: 35

Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter

Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’

HELEN SKELTON

Age: 39

Profession: TV and radio broadcaster

Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’

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