Melvin Odoom dismisses claims Strictly Come Dancing is racist as two black contestants are booted off in first two weeks

RADIO and TV star Melvin Odoom insists that his and Tameka Empson's departure from Strictly Come Dancing was NOT due to racism.

The 36-year-old was recently booted off the show after fellow contestant Anastacia was unable to compete against him because of her injury and it came down to the public vote.

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Following his exit, EastEnders actress Tameka Empson was the next person to be kicked off the show as she battled it out against Laura Whitmore.

The pair have now found themselves in the middle of a race row as viewers have come to their own damning conclusions.

One viewer tweeted: "#Strictly viewers showing their racist side. First two weeks seem to be targeting the black participants."

Another claimed that this situation has happened "over the past few years".

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A fan remarked that it wasn't the show but the British public, with another also commenting that it happens 'every year'.

Speaking at the Spectacle Wearer Of The Year Awards, he was very certain about the subject.

He said on the controversy revolving him and Tameka: "If there was a racist issue we wouldn't be there in the first place.

"I think it's got nothing to do with that. I think people are just trying to find a story to make out of nothing essentially.

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"Do you know what? The thing is, every single person on that show is amazing.

"Whoever leaves, it's going to be a story.

"Like, for me it was quite hard that dance-off because I worked with Laura Whitmore years ago at MTV.

"And Tameka, I just loved. She was the funniest person on the show.

"So that dance-off for me was like, whoever loses, it's going to be a terrible outcome and I think every single week you're going to be sad to see someone go."

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On the outrage that he got eliminated when Anastacia couldn't dance, he said: "For me it was a great experience.

"I've been wanting to do that show for two years, so to even just be on there dancing was an achievement.

"My mum was so proud of me just being there.

"To get on Strictly was like winning the whole competition.

"Anastacia's health comes first and I love her like I love all of the other contestants so for me that was the important thing."

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Talking about his pal Will Young leaving, he said: "Obviously you guys have just heard that Will is no longer in the competition for personal reasons.

"He can't do it anymore which is really, really sad.

"We loved him so much, he's been a great asset.

"He's so talented and a great dancer so I think it's been a crazy season already."

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Melvin is still getting his fix of dancing fun as they've got a WhatsApp group going so he can still speak to the celebs.

But who does he want to win?

"Potentially anyone could win, but for me I've got a really soft spot for Louise Redknapp.

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"She's so fun with it, she's so talented and I think Kevin is a great teacher as well.

"But anyone could win. Everyone's dance I find entertaining, like even Ed Balls.

"I know he gets a really hard time but he is so entertaining and he loves it and he gives it his all every single week.

"Judge Rinder is a really good friend of ours and he goes for it!

"The guy is ripped, he is healthy, he's doing lifts for fun, he knows how to dance good moves, he's got the facial expressions.

"People underestimate how good he is."