ELIMINATED Strictly star Graeme Swann tore into the “massive advantage” enjoyed by some Strictly celebs.
Ashes winner Graeme, 39, was humiliated by ex-dancer Ashley Roberts, 37, in last night’s dance-off.
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Graeme Swann is the latest celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing
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Oti and Graeme danced the Quickstep to Sing Sing Sing by The Andrews SistersCredit: PA
But he said of the Pussycat Dolls star and Steps singer Faye Tozer, 43: “If you’ve danced your whole life and have been in a pop band obviously you’ve got a massive advantage.”
Graeme found himself second bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night, only ahead of Lauren Steadman, 25, and her partner AJ Pritchard, 24.
But in a shock twist, the former spin bowler and Oti Mabuse, 28, found themselves up against Ashley and her dancer Pasha Kovalev, 38, instead of Paralympian Lauren.
Talking ahead of his elimination, the cricket legend added: “You’re used to counting to eight in your head and moving on demand in sync with everyone else. That’s an absolute necessity if you’re in a boyband or girlband. I haven’t had much of that if I’m honest, I had to bowl off-spin on my own.
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Ashley and Pasha were impossible to beatCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture
“There’s people with a far better background to push for the trophy.”
In last night’s results show both couple performed their routines again, but all four judges decided to save Ashley and Pasha, and send Graeme and Oti home.
Craig Revel Horwood, 53, said it was a “no brainer”, while Bruno Tonioli, 63, added: “No disrespect but it’s evident. Overall much much stronger on every level, come on.”
Head Judge Shirley Ballas agreed, with both Craig and Bruno.
However, fans were unhappy with their cutting comments.
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The judges were in agreement and saved Ashley and PashaCredit: PA
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Graeme later admitted he was on borrowed time in the competitionCredit: PA
And people were devastated on Saturday night when Graeme attracted criticism from the judges following an unfortunate slip.
Darcy Bussell commented afterwards: "It was a shame that you got out of sync with the slip but it's about keeping that focus and not coming off. And that's what happened sadly."
And Bruno said it was a "cruise to remember" but "wasn't plain sailing".
Craig's acid tongue was on fire and he said: "It was like watching the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz.
Strictly's Graeme Swann slips during dance with Oti Mabuse
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Cricket star Graeme Swann scored low after his 'drunken sailor' routineCredit: BBC
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The star suffered an unfortunate slip and found it difficult to recover
"The footwork was messy and really loose, it wasn't in sync and you slipped over. Apart from that Darling it was perfect."
The judges awarded them six points each resulting in a low score of 24 points for the pair.
But fans disagreed with their harsh criticism and one argued back on Saturday: "Would sooner see Graeme and Oti next week than the two with dance experience."
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly look stunning in all-black as they host Strictly Come Dancing
Another added: "Well I liked it.... great to see how far Graeme has come... no previous dance training whatsoever";
And another insisted: "No he wasn't. He made a few mistakes and it was messy. As the judges just said. I do like him but he's not at the same standard any more."
However, one fan admitted: "I do like Graeme and Oti, but they are just so far behind everyone else now.
