Strictly Come Dancing branded ‘disrespectful’ after Aston Merrygold filmed dancing in a graveyard

Some felt the clip of the former JLS star and his dance partner practising in a cemetery was 'in poor taste'
'Disrespectful': Strictly viewers branded Aston Merrygold (left) disrespectful after he and his partner rehearsed in a graveyard
BBC/Guy Levy
Aime Grant Cumberbatch30 October 2017

Strictly Come Dancing viewers accused the show of being "disrespectful" after Aston Merrygold and partner Janette Manrara were filmed practising their Paso Doble in a graveyard.

The pair were filmed rehearsing their routine in a cemetery during Saturday's Halloween-themed show.

However, fans felt the move was was a step too far.

On Twitter viewers branded the clip ‘"disappointing", with one writing: “So disrespectful dancing in a graveyard on people’s graves.”

Graveyard shift: Merrygold and partner Manrara rehearsing in the cemetery
BBC

Another commented: “#strictly disappointed over dancing in graveyard Aston & Jeanette – disrespectful [sic]."

Others saw the funny side, with some comparing the graveyard to former JLS member Merrygold’s career.

“Aston Merrygold in a graveyard is you career there fella #bbcstrictly #StrictlyComeDancing, [sic]” tweeted one.

A spokesman for Strictly Come Dancing insisted that the show’s cast and crew had been "sensitive to their surroundings" while filming in the location.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures

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"Aston and Janette’s pre-dance film was recorded in a cemetery as their routine on Saturday evening’s Halloween-themed show was set in a graveyard,” the spokesman said.

“With the express permission from the cemetery they specifically danced in a historical area which is often used as a filming location. Everyone involved was sensitive to their surroundings by ensuring they stuck solely to the public walkways, and at no point did anyone walk or dance on any grave."

Saturday’s show saw Merrygold and Manrara perform a Paso Doble to Nirvana song Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Despite viewers’ fury over the graveyard scene, the pair impressed judges and scored 38 points out of a possible 40.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, November 4 at 6.50pm on BBC One.

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