Nigel Harman’s fans and Strictly Come Dancing viewers have expressed their concern for the star following his underwhelming reception from the judges this past weekend.
Alongside Katya Jones, Harman took on the Charleston but was left visibly deflated when they critiqued his routine and highlighted a handful of mistakes.
Even presenter Claudia Winkleman noticed how downbeat Harman seemed after receiving the comments from the judges as she remarked he needed a “cuddle” and even quipped she’d “stop the show”.
During the judges’ verdicts, Revel Horwood went first and said: “Well, this sort of dancing is right up my street, I’ve got to say, full of showbiz and I love the tap opening… however, the footwork went wrong quite a bit.”
When Jones questioned the judge, Revel Horwood stood firm and said: “It did I’m afraid, and we just lost it a little bit down here as well. But I love you, I think your style is amazing and your energy is absolutely fantastic.”
Motsi Mabuse also mentioned “teeny-tiny mistakes” and Anton Du Beke called it a “shame” while Shirley Ballas tried to shift focus on the way Harman managed to continue despite the mishaps.
Nigel Harman didn’t seem impressed with his score
BBC
In the end, Revel Horwood awarded Harman a score of seven while the three other judges opted for the eight paddle.
This left him with a score of 31 and second-bottom of the leaderboard above the week’s eventual casualty, Angela Rippon.
And while Harman’s reaction to the judges’ reaction alone was enough to spark concern, a clip shared on X, formerly Twitter, has also caused worry.
In it, Harman can be seen barely taking part in the final dance of Saturday’s live show while Tess Daly and Winkleman bid farewell, leading some fans to claim he looked “broken”.
One fan shared the clip on X and wrote: “Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves Nigel’s been broken tonight, couldn’t even face the keep dancing once theme & cameras stopped.
“Taken away someone’s love of dance & confidence should not be what show is about. #StrictlyComeDancing.”
It didn’t take long for fans to echo the user’s sentiment, with a second adding: “I feel so sorry for Nigel, I thought he looked and danced amazingly but Craig has to put a dampener on things & Nigel really takes things to heart his face was distraught, don’t worry Nigel you were brilliant #Strictly.”
Another reacted to the original clip and shared: “This is so sad. They’ve broken the poor man over what?
Craig Revel Horwood pulled no punches with his thoughts on Nigel’s dance
BBC
“Can someone tell the judges to remember it’s a camp dance show not the world championship of dance! Everyone else gets criticism, Nigel gets insulted. #SCD #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Elsewhere, a fourth concerned fan added: “I hate seeing Nigel’s sad face – he’s consistently under-marked and over criticised! #Strictly.”
And another agreed: “It’s heartbreaking because he’s amazing and genuinely great guy. He works his a*s off and tries his hardest every week.”
However, some did share differing views on Harman’s reaction, with one suggesting: “I really felt for him but I actually think that’s a bad sport. He’s an entertainer, being paid A LOT to be there.
“Be upset but be professional, you don’t throw your toys out during a show. Would he refuse to join in on a West End stage if he messed up?” (sic)
WATCH NOW: Angela Rippon leaves Strictly Come Dancing
Despite his disappointment following the routine, BBC viewers opted to keep him in the competition with Bobby Brazier and Angela Rippon the two tasked to face the dreaded dance-off.
It was Rippon who made an emotional farewell – with professional partner Kai Widdrington left in tears – after the judges voted unanimously to save Brazier.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
