Strictly's Chris McCausland responds to Toyah Willcox's 'nasty dig' amid backlash
Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland has called fellow contestant Toyah Willcox “beautiful and supportive” after she received backlash for her comments on It Takes Two. As the most recent celebrity to be eliminated from the competition, Toyah appeared on the spin-off show on Monday, 7 October alongside her partner Neil Jones where they spoke to host Fleur East about their journey.
As part of the interview, Fleur asked Toyah, 66, if she had any advice for the remaining contestants. “If you don’t wanna do a dance off, get rid of Chris!,” she responded, before clarifying: “You’re all going to have to face a dance-off.” In response, Neil joked: “I think she has chosen her winner already.”
However, although it’s clear that the It’s A Mystery singer was complimenting Chris for his dance moves, she faced some backlash from viewers, with one calling it a “nasty dig” on X.
READ MORE:Eamonn Holmes 'lost This Morning job' as ITV boss ‘hated way he ate food on show’
“Toyahs dig was totally uncalled for tonight glad she’s out #strictly #ittakestwo,” commented another. “No Toyah, if you want to get rid of Chris you need to be a good dancer. And that’s why he’s still in the competition and thriving,” said a third.
In response to her comments, comedian Chris has broken his silence and has gushed over his Strictly co-star. In a social media post, the stand-up comic paid tribute to Toyah and wished her lots of love.
Sign up to OK's TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
“All I can say is that @toyahofficial has been nothing but beautiful and supportive and what she said on Takes Two was funny and an incredible bloody compliment. It's been such a joy and a privilege Toya. Lots of love, enjoy the surfing! X,” he wrote.
The exchange comes after Toyah became the second celebrity to be dumped from the competition. Following a public vote, the singer found herself in the dreaded dance off against Paul Merson, though the judges opted to save the former footballer, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all choosing to save Paul and Karen Hauer.
Following her departure from the show, Toyah thanked viewers for their support and spoke sweetly of Strictly pro Neil. “Thanks for all your support, it’s been a great ride. Thank you to the entire Strictly team for one of the most exciting experiences of my life, and Neil you are my rock xxx,” she wrote.
Taking to the comment section, Neil replied: “Partner, I have loved every minute spent with you and I’m so proud of you. Thank you for being my partner.” While Neil's girlfriend, former Love Island star Chyna Mills, wrote: “So sad to see you go”.
