Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in hysterics during Saturday’s show after noticing Neil Jones’ hilarious reaction to a sub-par score for Angela Rippon.
The newsreader received a six from head judge Shirley Ballas after dancing a ‘Waltz to Fascination’ by Nat King Cole with her professional partner Kai Widdrington, 28.
As the results were read out, Neil’s anger was clearly visible as the six were revealed and one fan described them as “the face of the show”.
Another said: “I loved Neil’s reactions to Angela and Kai’s scores,” followed by a crying laughing emoji face.
A third said: “Neil is outraged by Angela and Kai’s results” with lots of crying, laughing faces.
Shock: Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in hysterics during Saturday’s show after noticing Neil Jones’ hilarious reaction to a sub-par score for Angela Rippon
Reaction: While Angela agreed with the judges’ comments, it was the scoring that got everyone talking and professional dancer Neil Jones was the first to give his reaction (pictured back).
A fourth from the pen: “Neil’s face behind Angela”
After Angela’s performance, Anton de Beke said: “It was beautiful and elegant, as we expect from you.” It was a bit abrupt because the side steps weren’t big enough.
He continued: “It was elegant, it was beautiful. “I could have done with a little more flow, but like I said, that’s because the sidestep wasn’t quite wide enough, but other than that it wasn’t just a nice dance.”
Craig Revel Horwood commented next: “I thought your footwork was a bit shaky, darling, and the frame just got a bit loose.”
He added: “You know what? “You always bring style and elegance to the dance floor.”
Motsi Mabuse commented afterwards: “That was a very classic waltz.” I love when we do a complete dance, the way you outdo the competition.
“And you look beautiful in his arms.” You look like it’s so easy to dance with him, and no matter what happens, it always looks like it’s not too much for you, you are always relaxed.
Then she asked, “I think we could have pushed it a little bit further today?” Could we have given a little more so we weren’t playing it safe?
Frustration: As the results were read out, Neil’s anger was evident as the six were revealed, with one fan labeling her “the face of the show”.
Dancing Queen: The former newsreader performed Nat King Cole’s “Waltz to Fascination” with her professional partner Kai Widdrington, 28
Criticism: Anton de Beke described the exercise as a bit abrupt because the side steps weren’t quite big enough and could have used a little more flow
Tough: Craig said the routine was shaky, while Motsi asked if Angela could push it further as they were looking for finalists and felt she was playing it safe
Support: After Shirley scored a six, fans flocked to X to vent their frustrations and express their love for the 79-year-old
“We are in the middle of the competition and are looking for our finalists. So if you have more to donate, please give.”
Chief Justice Shirley also made some comments, saying the routine took “a little getting used to,” but added a few words of encouragement at the end, saying, “Keep going.”
While Angela agreed with the judges’ comments, it was the scoring that got everyone talking and professional dancer Neil Jones was the first to show his reaction.
When Craig scored a seven, Neil shook his head angrily and said: “No way.”
He nodded in agreement when Motsi showed her an eight, but when Shirley gave a six, Neil gasped with his mouth open and stayed that way for a few minutes.
Following the judges’ criticism and low scores, fans flocked to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their thoughts.
One user wrote: “We must #StrongProtect Angela Rippon at all costs”
A second said: “Layton overestimated, Angela Rippon underlined, #Strictly”
While a third reminded everyone: “Well I think Angela Rippon is amazing, remember she’s 79 who else can dance like that #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly”
Before her performance, the presenter said she wanted to dance in honor of her late father, John Rippon, who taught her to waltz as a little girl.
“My father loved dancing and when we went to a family event or somewhere where there was dancing, I would stand on his feet while he danced around. “I think waltzing was one of the first things I did as a little girl,” she told the Mirror.
Angela also spoke about whether her participation gained her attention from male admirers.
She said: “I get a lot of nice comments, but no.” I’m very lucky that I have a lot of absolutely wonderful men in my life, married men, single men, gay men, straight men, I have a wonderful collection of really great ones Friends, men and women, and that gives me joy.
“But I don’t think my time on Strictly did anything to change my state of mind and tell me it was time to have a man in my life.”
Strictly 2023: Week 7 leaderboard
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – 39 out of 40 points
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Jive to Shake Ur Body by Shy FX, T.Power, Di – 36 out of 40 points
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Couple’s Choice for Wings from Birdy – 35 out of 40 points
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Tango Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus – 33 out of 40 points
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Argentine Tango for Sailing by AWOLNATION -30 out of 40 points
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Couple’s Choice to You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon – 29 out of 40 points
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Waltz to Fascination by Nat King Cole – 28 out of 40 points
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk – American Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott – 27 out of 40 points
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Samba to Ain’t It Funny by Jennifer Lopez – 27 out of 40 points