Strictly Come Dancing faces another 'race row' after Chizzy Akudolu becomes the first to leave the show

Strictly Come Dancing has sparked a 'race row' for the second year running after the first results show of the series.

Some viewers hit out at the results of the public vote after it was revealed that Chizzy Akudolu was the first to be axed from the show - despite sitting in the middle of the leaderboard.

The Holby City actress faced comedian Brian Conley in the dreaded dance off, when they both received the lowest score from the judges and public vote combined.

This comes one year after fans of the dancing contest branded other viewers 'racist' after three non-white celebrities left the show in the opening weeks.

Strictly found itself in the middle of a 'racism row' after Tameka Empson was ejected from the show unexpectedly.

The EastEnders star’s exit – which left her “gutted” - came just seven days after DJ Melvin Odoom controversially left after receiving the least viewer votes against injured fellow contestant Anastacia

Viewers hit out again when BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty became the third non-white contestant to leave the ballroom.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers took to Twitter after discovering the results of the first eviction.

One viewer said: "Good old fashioned British racism does it again. #scd #Strictly"

Another added: "#Strictly Racism strikes again!!!!"

A third said: "Getting in it early: Is #Strictly racist?"

While a fourth agreed: Thinking this show is racist...melvin out first last year, tomeka second out, chizzy first this year... #Strictly"

Chizzy teared up as she became the first person to leave the current series after losing out to comedian Brian.

Alongside partner Pasha Kovalev, she danced a Foxtrot to I’m a Woman by Peggy Lee in a bid to impress the judges, but was sadly sent home.

The four judges were divided, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Chizzy with the first vote.

Delivering his verdict, Craig said: "Well for me, both couples were worth a three but the person who I love watching more on the dancefloor is Chizzy and Pasha."

Darcey went next and decided to give her vote to Brian and Amy.

She said: "Well firstly both couples for their enthusiasm and the amount of hard work they’ve put into their performances has been fabulous, thank you. But the couple I would like to save on having more dance content is Brian and Amy."

Bruno also saved Brian and Amy, although he said both dances had room for improvement.

"Oh first dance off is terrible, the nerves." he cried.

"Both were far from perfect but I have to say one couple stood-out; it popped more, the timing was better, the delivery was better and for that reason I choose Brian and Amy."

As Head Judge, Shirley Ballas had the casting vote and chose to save Brian and Amy, meaning Chizzy and Pasha were booted out of the contest.

Revealing her choice, she said: "Well it’s quite a difficult decision I feel that both of them bought quite nice performances there, but the person I’m going to save because I felt like they had a bit more musicality and content this evening is Brian."

An emotional Chizzy and Brian hugged it out before she told host Tess Daly she'd loved every minute of her short time on the show.

Looking at pro dancer Pasha, she said: "Thank you to everyone who has supported. And this guy… this dude, I have loved every minute dancing with him and it will continue because I will just be going round his house to dance now. But I don’t have his address so if anyone could email me I would appreciate it.

"And thank you to the judges for the constructive criticism which I will take on board. Thank you."

While Pasha said: "You were so much fun to work with, all the laughs we had together, all the great dancing we did together I absolutely enjoyed every single second of it and fine, come over to my house."

The remaining fourteen couples will take to the dancefloor next week in a spectacular Movie Special, when Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday.

* Chizzy and Pasha will be joining Zoe Ball on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Monday on BBC Two at 6.30pm.