Strictly’s Fleur East ‘breaks down in tears backstage after dance-off scare’ as fans cry ‘fix’

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Fleur East broke down in tears backstage after her shock dance-off against Richie Anderson, reports claim.

The X Factor star and radio presenter was an early favourite to make the final but is yet to fully find her groove on the ballroom.

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Her American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid scored 29 but failed to thrill Strictly Come Dancing fans.

However, she was too strong in the dance-off for Strictly super-fan Richie Anderson, who was sent home along with partner Giovanni Pernice.

A source told : "There was an audible gasp in the studio when Fleur's name was called out for the dance-off. All the pros and celebs looked so shocked and Fleur was clearly devastated.

"She was keeping it all together like a real pro but after she and Vito were sent through by the judges and the cameras were off, she began to cry. Vito comforted her but it was clear she was really upset - as were the other celebs."

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Craig Revel Horwood admitted he was shocked to see Fleur in the bottom two.

After watching her perform again, he said: "I would like to save the most accomplished technician and that is Fleur and Vito."

Motsi Mabuse found the decision tough and said: "I think it’s heartbreaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here but this is how the public voted and based on this dance off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito."

Anton du Beke said: "Well I thought that was a well danced dance off. I thought both couples performed well, I thought one couple was a bit more sure footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry about what they were doing, so the couple I would like to save is Fleur and Vito."

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Shirley Ballas's vote wasn't needed, but she said she would have saved Richie.

Some viewers even claimed the bottom pairing was fixed and worse dancers were lucky to escape.

One said: "WTF Fleur & Vito! I rest my point about it being a fix! #Strictly."

A second posted: "Fix or what? There were much worse dancers than those in the dance off!!!"

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