Some viewers have concocted a fannish theory that severals aspects of the story are really just Elton's delusions. Basically, there's was no Absorbiloff, just Elton's jealous perception of Kay's character as he wooed each of his friends. When he finally swayed Ursula, Elton finally "cracked" and perceived Kay's role as some sort of "monster" who consumed his friends.
Problem is, the Doctor makes mention of the planet Clom in a later episode independent of Elton, thus cementing its reality.
Sincerely,
Bill