Karen Hauer of Strictly Come Dancing has thanked fans for their’support’ and ‘encouragement’ after appearing to be irritated by the judges’ comments.
The professional dancer joined her partner Eddie Kadi for their second dance of the 2023 series on Saturday night, swinging their hips to a hot Cha-Cha-Cha.
While audiences appreciated the pair’s enthusiasm and enjoyment on the dancefloor, the judges gave them a total score of 21 out of a possible 40, putting them in the bottom part of the scoreboard.
Craig Revel Horwood awarded them their lowest score of three, stating that their routine was a’streetdance’ with ‘no Cha-Cha skill whatsoever’.
Karen was taken aback by this comment and said, ‘What?!’ ‘I’m sorry, but…’ booed the studio audience.
Motsi Mabuse followed, saying that while their choreography featured echoes of several dance mainstays, they needed to be ‘clearer’ when they wanted to attempt something new, while Shirley Ballas criticised comedian Eddie on his posture and feet.
However, Anton Du Beke praised the performance and asked the audience not to listen to the other judges.
Karen and Eddie scored a six from Motsi, a five from Shirley, and a seven from Anton after Craig’s three.
Several individuals on X (previously Twitter) condemned the judges’ remarks, with one claiming they didn’t enjoy the ‘disrespect’ that appeared to be directed towards Karen’s choreography.
Another wrote: ‘Really enjoyed Eddie & Karen. Loved it. Lots of bitterness and nasty with the judges.’
Someone else said the remarks were ‘bizarre’, while another stated: ‘Don’t know if I can finish watching Strictly after hearing the feedback for Karen and Eddie.’
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Another individual said that they thought it looked as though Karen was ‘fuming’.
Karen uploaded a series of photos on Instagram on Sunday, prior of the results broadcast, of herself and Eddie sitting on the steps on the Strictly stage.
‘What a Saturday night!! Thank you for all your beautiful messages of encouragement and support. It does not go unnoticed ♥️ @comeddiekadi love you buddy 💙,’ she wrote in her caption.
More messages of support flooded the comment section, with one fan writing: ‘Your dance was sexy and amazing! Haters gonna hate and feedback!’
Someone else speculated: ‘You were robbed last night. The comments from the judges were unfair. Perhaps you’re too much of a threat already in week 2.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
