By Paul Revoir


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Thrusts: These moves from Robbie Savage on Strictly sparked complaints from viewers - he claimed it was simply a tribute to Michael Jackson's famous moves


The BBC has received hundreds of complaints over footballer Robbie Savage's 'inappropriate' moves on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Wales international player did a series of hip thrusts during his routine before leaping on to the judges' desk and performing the risque moves in front of Craig Revel Horwood.

Parents claimed the dance, carried out to the Michael Jackson song Bad and broadcast well before the 9pm watershed, was not suitable for a family audience.

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Last night the BBC confirmed it had received 267 complaints about the issue during the contestant's paso doble.

But the broadcaster defended the moves, saying Savage was simply paying tribute to the dancing of Michael Jackson.

Viewers vented their anger on the corporation's online message-boards after Saturday night's show.

One said: 'We thought that the use of "hip thrusts" by Robbie Savage during his performance tonight was particularly vulgar, deplorable and completely unnecessary.


Flapping it around: Savage was commended by Alesha Dixon for his cape work in the early part of the routine


A ballroom guy: Judge Len Goodman criticised Savage for not bringing his best skills to the Latin numbers


Bad: Although Robbie Savage's dance was frightful to some viewers, it was Nancy Dell'Olio who got voted off this weekend

'Vulgar': But Robbie Savage, who is partnered by Ola Jordan, was said by the BBC to be simply paying tribute to Michael Jackson


'They were particularly suggestive especially to the younger audience and the action in front of Craig was very much out of order.

'It is not necessary for him to hold his crotch in that way to give a good performance. We hope that this will not be repeated in future. The only judge that appeared to appreciate it was Alesha – the others showed disapproval, much to their credit.'

And the remaining judges showed that disapproval by giving Savage and his professional dance partner Ola Jordan an overall score of just 26 points out of 40, putting the pair well into the bottom half of the leader board.

Another viewer complained: 'The thrusts were quite unnecessary from Robbie. I too hope that it will not be repeated. Children watch this programme and ask questions.

Our grandchildren were here this evening and they saw that “action” and wanted to know what he was doing.'

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The row comes after ITV rival The X Factor has been dogged in by concerns over taste and decency. Last year's X Factor final sparked thousands of complaints as a result of routines by Rihanna and Christina Aguilera.

Strictly, like X Factor, airs in a pre-watershed slot.

The BBC said last night: 'Robbie danced a paso doble to Michael Jackson's Bad. The choreography emulated some of Michael's famous dance moves and no offence was intended.'

It pointed out that the 267 complaints came from a peak audience of 11.5million.


Has he got the moves? The BBC said 267 complaints came from an audience of 11.5million


Savage has forged a new career in the media after retiring as the captain of Derby County in the summer.

His appearance on Strictly has raised his profile along with his outspoken views on radio programmes and phone-ins.

He enjoyed an image as something of a pantomime villian among football fans during a 537-game career for Crewe, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby. He also won 39 caps as a midfielder for Wales.





source:dailymail