Emmerdale actress Gemma, 33, performed a Quickstep to a show tune from classic musical Hello Dolly! for the BBC competition’s musicals week, but Queen of Latin Shirley, 57, was less than impressed.
“Well I think actually you did very well,” she began. “I just felt it could have had a little bit of 20 per cent more in the acting skills.”(sic)
Despite the surprising snub, Shirley went on to praise Gemma’s impressive improvements on her posture.
“You had your swan-like posture, you had an immaculate frame you did some fantastic scatter chasse, beautiful footwork.
“I just feel it needed that 20 per cent more.”
While the contestant remained subdued during the comments, presenter Tess Daly took it upon herself to remind the judge of Gemma’s profession, saying bluntly: “She is an actress.”
Gobsmacked by the dance coach’s critique, fans took to Twitter to express their anger.
“Where can I sign the petition to get rid of Shirley?! 20 per cent more acting? Shut the f**k up! #scd #Strictly,” one person said.
Another wrote: “What?? It was SO WELL ACTED. I love Shirley so much but what was she watching? Gemma was adorably preening and full of performance. Congrats @MissGAtkinson you were fantastic. #strictly.”
“Shirley telling actress Gemma she needs to be a better actress. #Strictly – Well that was awkward,” a third agreed.
Fans continued to share their frustration over the awkward comment, as one person added: “Imagine telling an actress to ‘act more’. Can’t stand Shirley, I find her so patronising. The way she looks down at the contestants over her glasses like she’s some headmistress #Strictly.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7.20pm on BBC One.
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