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VOTED OFF: Melvin Odoom and his dance partner Janette Manrara (right)

KISS FM radio presenter Melvin Odoom was the first celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing last night (Oct 2)

But viewers were outraged as fellow contestant Anastacia was allowed to stay in the competition after refusing to face Odoom and his partner Janette Manrara in a dance-off.

Although he received the fewest public votes, traditionally, the two celebs at the bottom of the leaderboard are given one last chance to fight for their place.

However, the Kiss presenter was denied that opportunity and sent home after the tearful US singer had a meltdown backstage.

Some viewers slammed the decision to ditch the dance off and called for Anastacia to "forfeit" the competition.

One user posted: "If Anastasia can't dance she should forfeit the competition and go out, not Melvin. #strictly."

Another wrote: "I'm sorry but if you can't do the dance off then you should go home automatically."

Fans of the show are also claiming the show showed Anastacia favouritism because of the colour of her skin.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer wrote: "Called #Strictly result for tonight correctly because it's so fixed and blatantly racist I'll never watch it again."

Moments later, a different fan commented: "I say it every year but - There is something a bit racist in the Strictly voters . Black contenders mainly leave early #Strictly."

I say this every year, the early voting on Strictly is straight up racist.

— Emily Oram (@_emilyoram) October 2, 2016

This is the first time a dance-off has ever been cancelled by BBC bosses.

On being booted out, Odoom said: “I just need to say every single person on this show is absolutely amazing.

"It’s a blessing to be on this show and thank you to Janette. Thank you so much.”

Manrara praised her dance partner saying: “In this industry you meet different people, but Melvin is one of those people you meet and you never forget. He’s got such a gorgeous soul and an amazing personality.”