The professional dancer admitted that the critical reaction was unexpected

Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec has broken his silence on judge Shirley Ballas’ brutal comments and scoring on last week’s show.

Following Mr Škorjanec’s dance alongside celebrity partner, drag performer La Voix, Ms Ballas delivered a controversial assessment, awarding them a score of two.

The couple struggled with their boxing-themed Cha Cha Cha to the 1980s hit Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Ms Ballas went as far as to say she “couldn’t judge” the routine, explaining that La Voix failed to establish a proper beginning to the dance.

Shirley Ballas prompted a furious response with her comments and scoring

Despite claiming an inability to assess the performance, the judge awarded merely two points out of 10.

She attempted to soften the blow, telling the performer: “We love you and you can come back strong.”

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The performance left La Voix visibly distressed, with the contestant later admitting to presenter Claudia Winkleman: “That was terrible.”

The drag star revealed struggling mentally throughout the week, appearing emotional whilst fellow contestants gathered round in support.

Aljaž Škorjanec and La Voix were awarded a score of 2 by Shirley Ballas

Fellow judges offered mixed assessments, with Craig Revel-Horwood describing feeling “numb” whilst noting inadequate leg action, though adding: “I can’t help but love you.”

Motsi Mabuse highlighted issues with flexibility and leg movement, suggesting the pair could dismiss it as a “bad day”. Anton Du Beke awarded the highest mark with five points.

The combined total of fourteen points placed La Voix and Škorjanec at the bottom of the leaderboard, facing potential elimination.

Fans were quick to complain about the harsh comments, though, particularly Ms Ballas, with many arguing the reaction had been extreme.

Appearing on the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Wednesday, Mr Škorjanec and La Voix opened up about their own feelings on the matter.

Host Janette Manrara commented during the chat show: “We’re going to talk about the judges’ comments now, which I know were not the nicest, but you both reacted like this to the score…” before displaying a photo of the two, open-mouthed, on Saturday night.

“Really, I don’t know what we were expecting,” La Voix joked before Ms Manrara asked: “But what went through your mind, Aljaž, when you saw the two?”

“Completely, nothing, to be honest,” the dancer joked, adding: “I was expecting it was not going to be kind, but when I saw it two…

“I was a little bit surprised. But look, I feel like because the dance could have been done really, really well, maybe the two was more along the lines of knowing how good it could have been, and it never really got there.”

Aljaž Škorjanec and La Voix appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two

He went on to confess: “I do understand, but yeah, two was harsh though.”

“And do you know what?” La Voix added, “It could have been my lowest point, but I think it was my strongest week. Because I got the support of the nation behind me, which was beautiful, so thank you.”

Aljaž Škorjanec admitted he was ‘surprised; by Shirley Ballas’ comments

Despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard, the couple didn’t end up having to face the dreaded dance-off.

Instead, Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova and Balvinder Sopal and Julian Callion found themselves in the precarious position, with the former saved by last week’s head judge, Craig Revel Horwood.