BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson hits back as fans horrified by Craig Revel Horwood jibe

Fans said the comment on the BBC broadcast was “out of order”.

Paul Merson delighted fans with his entertaining performance on Strictly Come Dancing(Picture: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Paul Merson has hit back after Craig Revel Horwood launched an “off-duty” jibe at the former footballer. The Sky Sports pundit took to the dance floor this evening with his partner, Karen Hauer.

The second week of season 22 means that it is the first elimination of the new season. Merson aimed to avoid being the first celebrity to be eliminated in this year’s Glitterball race.

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The former Arsenal player delighted viewers by dancing salsa to Fireball. The routine was themed around a barbecue gone wrong and Merson received a huge ovation from the crowd at the end of the routine.

However, the 56-year-old failed to impress Craig as he got into the routine. The judge said: “Obviously the barbecue drinks gave you the confidence to do it. »

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Merson retorted after the comment: “I don’t drink.” Merson is a recovering alcoholic and has been candid about his sobriety journey. Fans who followed the show on social media platform X were surprised by Craig’s comment.

Paul said: “He probably didn’t realize it, but Craig making drinking jokes to an alcoholic wasn’t the best thing. Jane commented, “Craig, you don’t say that to a recovering alcoholic.” »

Heather added: “Oh my God, that’s not really nice of Craig to make a drinks joke on Paul Merson.” James said: ‘Craig makes comment about drinking to recovering alcoholic’

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A viewer named Paul said: “Craig making a comment about a drink to a recovering alcoholic is unacceptable.” Darren posted: ‘Craig Revell Horwood told recovering alcoholic Paul Merson that the drinks gave him confidence and were in bad taste’

Craig continued to criticize Paul’s routine, giving it a 2. He added: “It was like a comedy dance at a wedding. You were glued to the floor and Karen was doing everything while dancing around you. I must congratulate you but in the ski lifts.”

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Shirley was more complimentary when the Wallasey judge said: “It’s not often that I’m left speechless, but I’m a little at a loss for words. What I can say is that it was pure entertainment.” Merson received a total of 15.