Considering that Maks fanbase didnt keep him around this late last year, I highly doubt they are the only reason they are there. I do think the Cheryl theory holds water though, no way Ian shouldnt have been in the bottom two.
And I will never vote for anyone because they are a woman, cause that is obviously ridiculous. However the sexiest comments are obvious and implied. For some she is being judged on her dancing and for others, they act like she needs to hide her manly self underneath a garbage bag. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but she's really a beautiful woman imo that doesnt fit the stereotypical idea of beauty.