Craig Revel Horwood blames the 'Strictly Come Dancing' viewers for failing to vote for Catherine Tyldesley following her surprise elimination.

Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood

The 54-year-old ballroom and Latin dancer has hit back at some 'Strictly' fans who criticised the judging panel - Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli, Motsi Mabuse, and himself - after their favourite contestant was sent home.

Speaking on 'Heart Breakfast' this morning (28.10.19), he said: "At the moment I think on 'Strictly' its becoming obvious that there are people that are really becoming fantastic and they're leaving some of the rest behind, so it's quite split in that way you know.

"But we always do get the dilemma of two really good ones being in the bottom two. And you have to remember that it's the audience at home that are putting them in the bottom two as well.

"It's not just the judges, we have 50 per cent of the vote so I blame the people that aren't voting.

"They'll all whinge online and be abusive and then you ask them, 'Did you vote?' 'Oh no, I didn't vote,' so if you're that worried about it, vote."

On Sunday night's (27.10.19) results show, some viewers were outraged as Catherine was axed from the dancing competition following a dance-off against sports presenter Mike Bushell and his partner Katya Jones.

The judging panel ultimately voted to keep Mike in the competition, with Craig voting to save Mike, and after both Motsi and Bruno wanted to see Catherine stay on the show, head judge Shirley, who had the deciding vote, chose to save Mike.

However, fans were quick to comment on the decision and took to Twitter to share their outrage.

One wrote: "This year is such a fix-disappointed in judge's decision #Strictly. (sic)"

Head judge Shirley explained her decision on the show, saying: "Well, I thought both couples really step it up a notch and this is always the most difficult decision for me, but based on a good focus, difficult content, with some really beautiful footwork in there with stronger technical skills for me, cleaner and polished. I'm going to save Mike and Katya."