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Strictly Come Dancing racism row continues as Naga Munchetty voted off in week 3

One Tweeter noted: 'Is it odd that no white dancers have left yet?'

Jack Shepherd
Monday 17 October 2016 14:53 BST
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Following Melvin Odoom and Tameka Empson’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing within the first two weeks, voters were accused by Tweeters of being ‘racist’ as the two competitors are black.

The third contestant to be knocked out (not including Will Young leaving the show for personal reasons) was Naga Munchetty, leading once again to fresh racism accusations.

The journalist and newsreader lost to Anastacia in the dance-off, with the singer’s dance being called "cleaner, slicker and more rounded” by the judges.

“Sad to see Naga leave Strictly,” one viewer wrote on Twitter. “Is it odd that no white dancers have left yet?” Another noted: “Haven't said it until now but how racist are the Strictly voters?”

Odoom’s departure proved particularly controversial after the dance-off was scrapped for the first time in the show’s history due to Anastacia injuring herself.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman explained that in place of the dance-off, the celebrity with the fewest number of public votes would be leaving, causing Odoom to lose his place automatically.

The BBC previously dismissed racism accusations, saying if there is a problem it lies with the voters as who leaves is not their decision. Strictly Come Dancing returns at 6.30pm on BBC1 on Saturday.

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