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Comedian Chris Ramsey may have been at the bottom of the leaderboard after the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final, but he’s still number one for fans across his native South Shields and the wider North East.

Chris, 33, and professional partner Karen Hauer scored 54 out of a possible 80 marks for their Viennese Waltz and Rumba, which saw the pair compete against EastEnders actress Emma Barton, CBBC star Karim Zeroual and ex-Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher.

Despite some mistakes, the North East community has rallied around Chris with messages of support. Many pledged to vote for him to make it through to the grand final on Saturday, December 14.

There was some critique from the judging panel following the couples’ routines – but praise too for his hard work since the competition’s first week, where he scored only 13 points for a Cha Cha Cha.

Wife Rosie, with whom Chris hosts a weekly comedy podcast, also took to Twitter to share her pride.

Here is what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Vivienne Hinds: “He has worked really hard and done the best he could being a previous non-dancer and has made South Shields proud of him.”

Kelly Chandler: “Come on North East get behind him & VOTE! I thought he was brilliant again.”

Chris Ramsey and partner Karen Hauer perform in the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: PA.

Leslie Brown: “Voted three times for them. Chris and Karen for the final.”

Dean Knight: “I've had a big phone bill this month cause of voting for Ramsey – well worth it though.”

Linda Charlton: “I like him but he is not the best dancer.”

Chris Ramsey 'makes South Shields proud' in Strictly Come Dancing semi-final