Strictly Come Dancing Simon and Kristina
Simon and Kristina perform the rumba during Saturday's show BBC

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing may only be in its third week but the talent show is already courting controversy after dance partners Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff rubbed viewers up the wrong way.

The duo's rhumba was considered too risque by viewers, who voted them into the bottom two and complained on social media.

While some critics berated the routine performed to Berlin's Take My Breath Away for being too provocative for a family show, others claimed that Rihanoff's outfit was too revealing.

In the wake of the backlash the pair were inundated with messages of support from fans who insisted that the dance was amazing.

A rumba is considered by many to be the sexiest of ballroom dances and is the story of love and passion between two people.

Before they took to the floor, the twosome was urged by the judges to really get into the feel of the dance.

"There has to be a sensual feeling all the way through," encouraged judge Darcey Bussell, after telling them to "ooze passion."

Although the pair have not commented on the criticism, Rihanoff did thanks fans for their continued support.

Webbe and Rihanoff will return to our screens this weekend along with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, who are expected to perform during the show on Sunday.

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