Strictly fans rage as next celebrity sent home: ‘I’m calling sabotage’
Dame Sarah Storey and Bethany Antonia were in the bottom two (BBC/Guy Levy)
Fans have been left unhappy after Dame Sarah Storey left Strictly Come Dancing 2026, with viewers raging that she was “done dirty” by being given Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much” for her Tango.
Storey and professional partner Julian Caillon left during Sunday night’s week four results show (Icons Week), losing the dance-off to Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.
After both couples reprised their routines, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse all chose to save Antonia and Xu.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said she would have saved them too. Storey and Caillon repeated their Tango to Shania Twain’s song, while Antonia and Xu reprised their Cha Cha to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”.
Strictly viewers angry
The backlash centred on the music choice for Storey’s Tango, with some fans suggesting it put her at a disadvantage.
One Strictly fan said: “They did Sarah so dirty with that song for a Tango,” while another added: “I’m sorry but I’m calling sabotage.”
Storey and Caillon’s Icons Week Tango scored 21 points on Saturday night and they finished bottom of the leaderboard. Their 21-point total included three judges awarding a five, with Du Beke giving a six.
Dame Sarah Storey reacts
Speaking after the result, Storey praised her partner, saying: “Well I obviously have had the most amazing teacher which has been the biggest blessing.”
Caillon also applauded her commitment, saying: “Look, committed is the perfect word, once you get to know Sarah you understand why she is the GOAT. She is so hard working, so dedicated. Absolute commitment.”
Storey is a 19-time Paralympic gold medallist and one of Team GB’s most decorated athletes, with a career spanning elite swimming and cycling. She holds the title Dame.
Antonia and Xu’s survival keeps this year’s same-sex partnership in the competition.
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