Strictly fans elated after 2024 star labelled a joke is ‘finally being taken seriously’-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have slammed initial suggestion Paul Merson was a ‘novelty act’.

The former footballer and broadcaster is currently competing on the BBC dancing series alongside Karen Hauer.

The pair only picked up a score of 17 in the first week, followed by the lowest score of 15 the following and then 19 in week 3.

Fans of the show pointed out Paul had been ‘stitched up’ at the start after his first routine, an American smooth was performed to the song Vindaloo.

However, a few weeks in, Paul has now impressed both the judging panel and viewers with his improvement.

On the latest episode of Strictly, Paul and Karen picked up a score of 23 with their quickstep.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have praised the progress of a contestant (Picture: Ray Burmiston/ PA Wire)

Many of those watching on at home made it clear they were impressed with his efforts.

‘Dear BBC, See, this is what happens when you drop the gimmick and joke act shtick. That’s not entertaining. THIS is. Remember you had a hit with Come Dancing. People do still like to watch actual dancing. Paul finally getting what he deserves,’ Hannah wrote on X.

‘Where did Paul pull that Quickstep from? He’s no “novelty act” — there’s a real dancer in him! He should be super proud!’ Jay shared.

‘See what happens when you give him a dance with good choreography and traditional music. So happy for him! He’s back in the race. Well done Paul,’ Ryan added.

Paul Merson was initially considered by some to be a ‘joke contestant’ (Picture: Guy Levy/ BBC/ PA Wire)

Fans were excited that he was now ‘being taken seriously’ (Picture: X)

This viewer said he deserved ‘respect’ (Picture: X)

Another said they were excited to see where he goes from here (Picture: X)

Following their dance, judge Anton Du Beke commended Paul and Karen.  

‘I take my hat off to you and Karen entirely. What a job. I’ve been in this position dancing with people and you think “here we go” and you do everything you can to avoid actually dancing and when I watched you at the beginning I thought we could be going down this road,’ he began.

‘But when you danced this I thought to myself “yes this is great. There was no irony”. You did it seriously and straight and you look great in a tail suit.’

Meanwhile Motsi said the performance ‘melted my heart’.

Paul and partner Karen Hauer performed a dance to Vindaloo their first week (Picture: Guy Levy/ BBC/ PA Wire)

‘I see you fighting, and I see the effort and you trying to change the story, and I think it means a lot to you and Karen. Keep on going,’ she added.

Speaking about his experience on the show so far, Paul explained: ‘I love that. I’ve always loved it.’

His partner added that Paul had ‘pushed really hard’ and she was ‘proud’ of what he’d achieved so far.

Having made his debut at Arsenal when he was 17 years old, Paul admitted doing the dancing competition was going to be a step out of his comfort zone when he was first cast.

Paul previously said he was disappointed by low scores from judges (Picture: Ray Burmiston/ PA Wire)

Appearing on It Takes Two after his first performance, Paul also revealed he was upset by his initial scores.  

‘I was a big gutted with my 2, I thought I’d get a 2 for putting my shoes on,’ he said.

However, he seemed resolved to do his best.

‘I’m not very good so I’m going to go out and enjoy myself, so I think part of it is my choice to do it, so I’m going to go out and enjoy it.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One.

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