A fifth celebrity has been sent off Strictly Come Dancing after a battle that was praised by the judges for the ‘fighting spirit’ displayed by both couples involved.
Zara McDermott and her dancing partner Graziano Di Prima missed out on the Glitterball trophy later this year after their Charleston routine to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra failed to convince the judges on Sunday’s pre-recorded BBC One broadcast.
Zara, 26, scored a total of 25 points from the judges on Saturday and was paired with Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk from Waterloo Road in the dance-off after a public vote.
The reality personality and girlfriend of Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson had triumphed in the previous two elimination rounds but was unable to win a third time.
The judges awarded Adam and Luba 32 points for their American smooth dance to Perry Como’s Magic Moments.
‘For me, one pair performed incredibly well and nailed the routine,’ judge Craig Revel Horwood remarked after the couples second performance. Adam and Luba are that couple.’
Motsi Mabuse made the same choice, but praised both couples for their routines.
‘Well I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning,’ she said.
Both Anton Du Beke and the chief judge, Shirley Ballas, decided to save Adam and his companion.
Zara express on her exit from the show: ‘I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.
‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.’
Graziano informed his dance partner that he was “so proud” of her and that she represents “what Strictly is all about.”
‘She has been fantastic for me from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,’ he stated. Never stopping, just asking for a half-hour break.
‘She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job.
‘You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks.
‘You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.’
The ousted duo will appear on Strictly It Takes Two with former Strictly star Fleur East on Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
Rick Astley performed his new track Forever while More on the results show, while professional dancers doubled down on the Halloween theme with a Wednesday Addams-inspired routine.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 4 at 7.05pm on BBC One.