Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox took to social media to ‘clarify’ what she meant when she was slammed for ‘taking a swipe’ at Chris McCausland.
The 66-year-old singer and her dance partner Neil Jones were the latest pair to be voted off the popular BBC show on Sunday night. They found themselves in the bottom two, going head-to-head with Paul Merson and Karen Hauer in a nail-biting dance-off, but the judges chose to save Karen and Paul.
After being voted off, Toyah and Neil showed up on Monday’s Strictly spin-off It Takes Two to discuss their experience. Speaking to host Fleur East, Toyah shared some words of wisdom for the remaining contestants. Toyah responded: “If you don’t want to do a dance-off, get rid of Chris.” Fleur was lost for words, while Toyah continued to chuckle, adding: “You’re all going to face the dance-off.”
Fans were furious by her comment and slammed her on X (formerly known as Twitter). And now, she took to social media to clarify: “Just to clarify and to clear up any confusion that’s flying around. My good friend @chrismccausland, is my favourite to win this year, I think he is inspiring and brilliant, he has worked so hard and I wish him nothing but love! Toyah.”
Fans weren’t impressed with Toyah’s joke on It Takes Two (
BBC)
During the It Takes Two chat, Neil tried to lighten the awkward mood and said: “I think she has chosen her winner.” However, it was too late for fans who rushed to X to share their thoughts. One viewer wrote: “Was it panic I saw on their faces when Toyah said ‘get rid of Chris if you don’t want to do a dance off ‘ …little does she realise Chris is a 100x better dancer than she was and he is there on merit #ItTakesTwo.” (sic)
Viewers were left scratching their heads after the Strictly moment, with one tweeting: “#strictly … Toyah? What was that about? ” Another was quick to comment on an awkward exchange: “Oh, Toyah, that’s not it! That was awkward for both Fleur and Neil #Ittakestwo.” (sic)
One viewer expressed their disapproval: “That was such a nasty dig Toyah just made at Chris. Malicious, vicious and jealous. Good riddance #strictly.” (sic) One person was quick to defend Toyah and posted online: “Remember Toyah is 66!! She did amazing on the show.” (sic)
“Well said Toyah about your age. Just like Angela Rippon proved last year as well. Age is definitely no barrier to success. #Strictly,” another fan pointed out.