Lilia Kopylova has launched an attack on the Strictly Come Dancing judges, claiming they are unfair to her partner Matt Dawson.

The Russian professional said the rugby union star was getting harsh treatment while other "favourites", namely Emma Bunton, are let off lightly.

"The judges had a really preconceived idea about Matt and last week they were very hurtful," she blasted. "Craig gave him a 6 for his Latin which he didn't deserve.

"His performance was great. It was cruel. He did much better than that." Kopylova added: "Emma Bunton was everyone's favourite because of her background so the judges expected her to be good.

"Yes, she's been a singer and she's done some dancing, but it was just girls in a line doing a few steps. This is totally different."