Strictly’s Kevin Clifton insists lack of audience was reason behind Jacqui Smith’s axe
Kevin, 38, says the minimal audience in the studio is simply not working and had it not been for that, Jacqui and Anton would still be in the competition
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Kevin Clifton has shifted blame on the lack of audience for Jacqui Smith and Anton Du Beke ‘s exit on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former professional dancer, 38, says the minimal audience in the studio is simply not working and had it not been for that, Jacqui and Anton would still be in the competition.
Kevin – who quit the hit BBC One dance show back in March – told The Sun : “There is an empty studio pretty much with the celebs and their dancers and a few dotted around on the other side, it does not have that same effect in the studio.”
He added: “I think there have been numbers that I have seen where people react in the studio and they have just gone off at the end of the number and Tess [Daly] is trying to talk and they are still clapping and stamping their feet and there is a second wave of applause.
“The overall feel of the number then, whatever the judges say, at that point is that we all loved it. I do think people sat at home, people will feel that noise that is happening in the studio.”
He added: “If that had happened for Jacqui and Anton they might have become everyone’s favourite as it was so out there.”
Former Labour MP Jacqui was voted off in the first week, having performed a samba routine to Tom Jones song Help Yourself.
She was even compared to a “stumbling drunk lost at a party”.
When asked by Tess about her time on the show, Jacqui said: “I had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine.
“I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to be with.”
She added: “But I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers, they really are. So I’ll be watching you and supporting you.
“To Anton, I would like to say you have been just an absolute joy to be with. I am so pleased and proud to have spent this time with you.
“And to everybody on the programme I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that put this programme together and if ever we need Strictly, we need it now so thank you so much.”
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