Viewers in backlash as Heather appears on America's Strictly Come Dancing

Heather Mills has suffered a vicious on-line backlash after she made her debut on American TV show Dancing With The Stars.

Angry viewers, many of them Beatles fans, posted abusive messages on the website of broadcaster ABC, which models the show on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

VIDEO: Watch Heather Mills in action

Heather Mills: Made her debut on the US version of Strictly Come Dancing. The judges praised her but she failed to win over viewers

The combination of her divorce battle over Sir Paul McCartney's £825 million, coupled with the spectacle of Ms Mills being the first contestant to appear with an artificial leg, has captivated America in the run-up to the fourth series.

Fans left messages online calling Heather is a disgrace and wooden

Although she drew plaudits from the judges on TV, many viewers were not as generous.
Nonie823 declared: "She looked as wooden as her leg, so get rid of her."

An excited Heather shows off her fancy footwork

Olive71 said: "Heather is a disgrace - not sure how she rates to be on Dancing With The Stars.
She is a nobody and only became a somebody when she married the best Rock Musician, Paul. America, boot her off."

Getting an energy boost from a banana before she starts recording the demanding show

Mikesnf wrote: "Let's all plot to get rid of this woman.
I'm not watching the show nor will I be until she's gone ... I'll vote like crazy to get rid of Heather Mills."

Heather has a lighthearted moment while waiting for the results

But lmillen wrote: "She did a great job, regardless of her disability. She is brave and beautiful," while an amputee wrote that her grace was "impressive".
Another viewer accused ABC of "exploiting the disabled".

Heather takes a breather as she puts on her 'dancing leg'

Ms Mills, 39, who lost part of her leg in an accident with a police motorbike in 1993, has said it is unlikely her prosthetic limb will fall off during the show.

However online gambling sites are taking bets on it happening.

Fellow contestant, former supermodel Paulina Porizkova said: "If she comes on and shows how warm and wonderful and gracious she is, the people are just going to go for her.

However if she doesn't, she's screwed."

Were Ms Mills to win, huge stardom is assured. Dancing With the Stars attracted 27.5 million viewers for the finale of its third series.

She danced the foxtrot with professional partner Jonathan Roberts and received a standing ovation from some of the audience after she ended the routine with a high kick.

The three judges awarded 18 marks out of 30, and the couple were a respectable seventh out of 11.

The public begin voting off contestants, who include world female boxing champion Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, next week.

Ms Mills said: "I'm just glad I did not fall over. I thought I would be lowest so I am pleased."

She has denied she is appearing on the show as a publicity stunt or for financial reasons and says she wants to inspire viewers with disabilities.