'Keep up and shut up!' Len Goodman puts Will Young in his place after singer makes sassy comment defending his Salsa moves on Strictly Come Dancing

He's got form when it comes to sticking up for himself against an established entertainment show judge.

And Will Young, 37, gave as good as he got on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing, after his salsa was criticised by head judge Len Goodman.

The singer and his dance partner Karen Clifton danced to the Pussycat Dolls' Jai Ho from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack as part of movie week.

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Sticking up for himself: Will Young, 37, gave as good as he got on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing, after his salsa was criticised by head judge Len Goodman

Sticking up for himself: Will Young, 37, gave as good as he got on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing, after his salsa was criticised by head judge Len Goodman

Critical: The routine featured a daring selection of lifts, but Len said he'd rather have seen a more traditional dance

Critical: The routine featured a daring selection of lifts, but Len said he'd rather have seen a more traditional dance

The routine featured a daring selection of lifts, but Len said he'd rather have seen a more traditional dance.

He said: 'For me, not enough Salsa. I loved the dance it was entertaining it was fun... but it's a Salsa, and I would have liked more.'

Will hit back: 'There are 24 counts of Salsa in the routine.'

Raising his eyebrows, Len replied: 'Well I must say, most of them I didn't recognise.'

Full of colour: The singer and his dance partner Karen Clifton danced to the Pussycat Dolls' Jai Ho from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack as part of movie week

Full of colour: The singer and his dance partner Karen Clifton danced to the Pussycat Dolls' Jai Ho from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack as part of movie week

Authentic: Will and Karen wore Indian-inspired outfits for the energetic performance

Authentic: Will and Karen wore Indian-inspired outfits for the energetic performance

And he added: 'But my other advice to you is turn up, keep up and shut up!'

Backstage, Will diplomatically said: 'I just want to say, I adore Len. He is the King of Ballroom - I just get passionate!'

Will originally shot to fame after beating Gareth Gates to the Pop Idol crown in 2002.

Having his say: Len said: 'For me, not enough Salsa. I loved the dance it was entertaining it was fun... but it's a Salsa, and I would have liked more'

Having his say: Len said: 'For me, not enough Salsa. I loved the dance it was entertaining it was fun... but it's a Salsa, and I would have liked more'

Let's dance: Will claimed there were '24 counts' in the routine

Let's dance: Will claimed there were '24 counts' in the routine

No hard feelings: Backstage, Will diplomatically said: 'I just want to say, I adore Len. He is the King of Ballroom - I just get passionate!'

No hard feelings: Backstage, Will diplomatically said: 'I just want to say, I adore Len. He is the King of Ballroom - I just get passionate!'

He bravely stood up to Simon Cowell after the music mogul called one of his performances 'distinctly average'.

The then aspiring singer hit back: 'All of us have been dying to say things to you – I've written about ten things to say to you. I think it's nice that you have given opinions on this show. 

'I think in previous shows you haven't, you've just projected insults and it has been terrible to watch. I think, this show, I think you have been better, and I think you have given opinions and you've backed up your opinions.'

'It is your opinion. I don't agree with it. I don't think it was average. I don't think you could ever call that average. But it is your opinion and I respect that.'

Not mincing his words: Len told Will he didn't recognise most of the salsa steps

Not mincing his words: Len told Will he didn't recognise most of the salsa steps


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