STRICTLY Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell has hit back at criticism from the judges, which saw her tear up on screen.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell reacted to some negative criticism from the judges after she and partner Chris McCausland finished their quickstep to 'Anything Goes'.
Their dance received a standing ovation from the audience but came under fire from the judges including Craig Revel Horwood, who picked out issues with Chris' posture.
Yet after the judges had made their comments, Dianne leapt to her partner's defence as she gave an emotional speech praising Chris.
Speaking in the Clauditorium, Aussie dancer Dianne said: "Posture, I totally agree and I am so thankful to the judges for all their constructive criticism."
Comedian Chris joked: "Are you? I'm not!"
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Dianne laughed and then continued: "We musn't forget that for 20 odd years that Chris's safe space has been down here, so for him to stand up actually makes me quite emotional.
"It's a big thing that we've overcome, and you've done so well."
Dianne's tearful defence didn't go unnoticed by viewers either as one wrote on social media: "Dianne has made me emotional talking about how much Chris has improved in the competition. You can tell they have the best friendship and love seeing it on the dance floor each week."
Another shared: "What Chris and Dianne do week in week out is astonishing!"
Other viewers also defended Chris and Dianne as one raged: "I am livid with Chris and Dianne scores. Strictly is and should be an inclusive and equal show, which is why Chris is there.
"Treating him with equity is completely missing. What he and Dianne have achieved is phenomenal."
A third said: "Stop judging Chris on the same level as those who can see.
"He is INCREDIBLE and Dianne is a genius. That was a bloody 40."
The comments come after last week Dianne was moved to tears alongside her father after her parents travelled from Australia to see her perform.
The pro's mum and dad, Rina and Mark, were left crying after their daughter's performance as it was revealed it is the first time in seven years the couple had been able to make it over to the UK to see her compete in the competition.
Prior to the performance, in a clip from their rehearsals this week, Dianne and Chris spoke to her parents and how much dance meant to the Australian pro.
Mark admitted he didn't know the difference between a lot of the dances, joking: "Nah, I was too busy working paying for lessons!"
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Acknowledging her incredible efforts for everything she's achieved with Chris, who has been dazzling audiences as the show's first blind contestant, Rina told Dianne: "It just blows me away every single week.
"To be here for this amazing moment is pretty special."
