Mike Bushell hits back at abuse over Catherine Tyldesley’s Strictly axe and says ‘accept the judge’s decision’
STRICTLY's Mike Bushell has hit back at trolls after being slammed over Catherine Tyldesley's axing.
The BBC Breakfast host, 53, reminded viewers it was the "judges' decision" to save him after his wife Emily revealed he's been inundated with online abuse.
The journalist said he was trying to "rise above" the mean comments after he and pro partner Katya Jones were saved over Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe in last night's dance-off.
He said: "It's an entertainment show, we're all trying our best, you're not really competing against anybody else, you compete against yourself to try and learn to get better and better each week, even if its just learning a couple of new steps.
"As a non-dancer all I can do is put the hours in, do my best and get through it.
"You have to rise above the abuse on social media, that's one of the sad things about social media.
"All you can do is do your best, accept the judges' decision and move on. Johannes and Catherine are lovely people, I didn't want to see them go but someone has to go.
"It's like football - you have to accept the referee's decision. [The judges] are the best judges in the world, they do know what they're talking about, if they'd sent me home that would have been the best decision, I can't get involved in any of that.
"I just have to concentrate on improving, and if Katya is happy with what I'm doing then I'm happy."
His comments came after his wife Emily defended her husband against the "shocking" abuse and said he was just as worthy of a place as any other contestant.
She wrote: "Wow the abuse! Painful. We’re beyond gutted Catherine and Johannes have left but Mike danced well and deserves his spot.
"As a viewer since the start I get opinion but this level of abuse is shocking. He’s just a contestant and giving his all."
She also re-tweeted a message from ex Strictly star James Jordan who said that, despite being a huge Catherine and Johannes fan, Mike was the stronger performer in the dance off.
He wrote: "Caught up with #Strictly results with @The_OlaJordan and have to say I agree with the judges 100%.
"Although as a couple I preferred Catherine & Johannes & felt they had much more potential
"In the dance off Mike’s performance was much stronger & cleaner... he was just better."
It comes after the decision sparked fix claims among Strictly fans.
Some accused the show of favouritism as Mike is a reporter on the BBC, while Catherine is from rival network ITV.