Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon and her partner Carlos Gu, took the stage by storm, performing the intricate American Smooth routine, which also marked Angela's debut lift in the competition.
As the applause echoed through the ballroom and fans showered the duo with adoration, a cloud of controversy settled over the judging panel, with fans and viewers alike questioning the fairness of their critiques.
The judges' comments have come under some scrutiny, leaving fans wondering if their assessments were unduly harsh.
READ MORE: RTE confirms Angela Scanlon's Ask Me Anything won't be back on screens this year
Shirley Ballas started by offering Angela words of encouragement: "I think you've got a lot of potential. What I don't want you to do is start panicking. Try to take things a little bit more of ease."
However, it was Craig Revel Horwood’s critique that struck a chord. Acknowledging the complexity of the American Smooth, Craig remarked: "The name American Smooth. And Smooth, it wasn't, unfortunately. Very difficult. I don't think it's your best."
Post-performance, Angela Scanlon embraced the feedback with her trademark humour saying: "We did a lot of turning. We did a lift, and Carlos imagined that I would approach him like a bird and kind of gracefully take off, but I was kind of running at him like it was a tree I had to climb. Maybe that's what the judges saw."
The dance floor wasn’t the only stage where Angela received accolades.
Fans swiftly took to social media, expressing their unwavering support. One fan commented: "Judges hard on Angela Scanlon for Carlos's choreography, she's a joy to watch. But if not given a good routine is that her fault? She danced what she was given...and danced it well"
The sentiment echoed with others added: "The Judges seemed a bit harsh @angelascanlon. I thought it was brilliant!" with another simply adding: "I LOVE @angelascanlon that’s it."
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