Former Strictly Come Dancing pro James Jordan has said that he is worried that the public don't like Maisie Smith simply because she's a woman.
The EastEnders star, 19, has consistently impressed with her near-flawless routines, but has ended up in the dance-off multiple times.
Following sneers from some that she is "too over-confident", James has hit out and defended the star, branding her "exceptional".
James also hailed her as the "best dancer in the competition by miles".
Speaking to Ladbrokes as their Strictly Come Dancing ambassador, he said: "For whatever reason people don't like Maisie, I don't get it and don't understand why they don't vote for her. Maybe it's because she's a woman? I don't know what goes through the minds of viewers who think she is cocky."
© PA "Maisie is absolutely exceptional. She is the best dancer in the competition by a million miles. I'm looking forward to seeing her and Gorka do the Jive, it's going to be a brilliant performance. I can't see any dances that she won't be good at.
"I don't think she comes across as cocky at all; if anything she comes across as apologetic at times. Maybe some people are threatened by her, but I don't know what goes through the minds of viewers who think she is cocky.
© Ken McKay/ITV/REX/ShutterstockJames Jordan calls for scoring overhaul
© BBCMaisie was emotional after a perfect score for her dance
"I'm so glad she wasn't in the bottom two last weekend, she clearly should have been top of the leaderboard. For whatever reason people don't like Maisie, I don't get it and don't understand why they don't vote for her, but having been in the bottom two twice it's going to be hard for her to win. Yes, she's had some dance training in the past, but so has Bill and so has HRVY.
"Maybe it's because she's a woman? Whatever the reason is I really don't understand it."
He also blasted the BBC One dancing show for being too predictable - especially with Anton Du Beke's pairings.
James explained: "It's predictable every year that Anton will be lumbered with someone who won't win... why isn't he given a Maisie or an Abbie Clancy?
"Otherwise give him a presenting job or stick him on the judging panel."
*Strictly come Dancing airs tonight at 7.25pm on BBC One