Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Kelly blasted the judges after he was eliminated on Saturday night. The former Corrie star accused the panel of "putting the boot in" after their harsh comments on his performance.

The actor was voted out of the BBC dance contest after he performed the cha cha cha in front of his home crowd at the Blackpool Tower ballroom.

His performance was slated by all the judges and Alesha Dixon was particularly severe in her criticism.

She told Craig: "I can't believe I had to endure that.

Craig was described by judge Craig Revel Horwood as being "like a Thunderbird".

The 39 -year-old, who played Luke Strong in Corrie, said: "Their comments were harsh. It didn't feel nice at all and I thought it was unnecessary.

"But that is their job. I actually thought it was my best Latin dance. But the show is in week eight and the standard is so high and I think that is why I was marked so low."

He added: "If I had done that dance in week three or four I would have got better marks.

"I was surprised how low I was marked, but I didn't feel bad. It felt like it was my time to go - apart from the judges putting the boot in."

The star had his parents, brother and wife Camilla cheering him on in his home town.

He said: "Being in Blackpool was the least nervous I have been. I really got into it and thought I was going to do well.

"I can honestly say I enjoyed it and even though the comments were harsh they didn't ruin my night."