Strictly Come Dancing fans have taken to social media to demand a change to the rules after a controversial dance-off and exit for Shayne Ward.

Strictly fans demand rule change after Shayne Ward’s controversial exit. (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are calling for a rule change following Shayne Ward’s third dance-off. The actor and singer found himself in the bottom two for the third time this series, leading to his departure from the competition in week eight.

The performer’s most recent appearance in the dreaded dance-off with his professional partner Nancy Xu marked their third and final misfortune as they were eliminated during Sunday night’s results show, having faced a notoriously challenging dance in Saturday night’s live show.

Shayne and Nancy were confirmed to be in the bottom two and had to face off against Wynne Evans and Katya Jones in the seventh results show of Strictly’s 20th-anniversary series.

Both pairs reprised their routines, with Shayne and Nancy first performing their Rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, followed by Wynne and Katya’s American Smooth to Grace Kelly by MIKA.

Shayne Ward faced the dance off against Wynne Evans. (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts: Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Shayne and Nancy, as did Motsi Mabuse, while Anton Du Beke chose to save Wynne and Katya, reports Manchester Evening News.

With two votes in favour of Shayne and Nancy, the decision came down to Head Judge Shirley Ballas, who decided to save Wynne and Katya. As Head Judge, Shirley has the deciding vote, meaning that Shayne and Nancy would be leaving the competition.

Strictly fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the voting system. @Vikk3rs146 voiced: “Shirley getting casting vote is a joke ..if it’s 2-2 should come down to audience vote.”

In response, @Livsmum62 suggested: “Or go with who actually got the least public votes – like they used to in old X Factor.”

As Head Judge, Shirley Ballas gets the deciding vote. (Image: BBC)

Meanwhile, @RyanAbb35200173 proposed: “Or have a different Head Judge each week.”

@Maz27890R criticised: “The judges votes is totally unfair? if two judges save one…then the other two save another, that’s 2 each? how can it be that it just goes on Shirley’s vote?? Absolutely unfair! what’s the point of judges votes? may as well just let Shirley decide?

@webbo9 added: “So Shayne is eliminated after losing Dance off against Wynne. Shirley having the casting vote after it was 2-1 in Shaynes favour. After it is 2-2 on votes, it should go down to public vote. Absolute joke. If they want Shirley to have casting vote, then have 5 judges, simple.”

However, some viewers noted that this is not a new development. @AlxnnaV pointed out: “It’s always been like this though, Len used to have the deciding vote.”

@FayeEsq added: “Len Goodman had the same thing. First time it’s happened this series.”