Seventh celebrity eliminated from Strictly ahead of Blackpool special

Virgin Radio

13 Nov 2023, 07:59

Another celebrity has left Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the show's return to Blackpool next week.

After the remaining couples had taken to the Ballroom floor at the weekend, in the hope of impressing the judges and the voting public, two stars and their partners were subjected to doing their routines again in the dance-off last night (12th November).  

Krishnan Guru-Murthy faced Angela Rippon, with Krishnan and his professional partner Lauren Oakley performed their Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings. Then, Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington delivered their Paso Doble to Hung Up by Madonna.

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts. Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Angela and Kai, saying: “Well Krishnan you really upped your game in that dance-off, it was magnificent. Angela you nearly lost your supporting leg darling in the kick but you saved it, miraculously. But the couple that I would like to save and go through to Blackpool is Angela and Kai.”  

Motsi Mabuse agreed but admitted it was a hard choice. “To be honest, I’ve never been so undecided in my decision,” she said. “I’ve been going back and forth, back and forth, in the end I’ve decided for fundamentals and technical level so I will be saving Angela and Kai.” 

Anton Du Beke also chose to save Angela and Kai. He said: “Well also I thought both couples danced very well – it was a super dance-off, if there is such a thing. But just for the cleaner technique really, and the more recognisable fundamentals, I’m going to save Angela and Kai.” 

This meant that Head Judge Shirley Ballas didn’t need to vote, but went the other way, saying: “I picked the person that I felt was more grounded on their feet without any technical errors, and I would have saved Krishnan & Lauren.” 

This means that newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy became the seventh contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.

When speaking to presenter Tess Daly about his experience on the show, Krishnan said: “This has been the most incredible experience. I said it has been life-changing and it genuinely has. I am incredibly grateful to the entire production team, judges, my incredible Strictly family.”

Praising his dance partner, he said: “The thing that has made Strictly really special is Lauren. She is most incredible teacher, partner, friend. She is the real Strictly star and I am so delighted I am the first partnership you have had. She is going to go a long way and I am very proud of her.” 

She replied: “I couldn’t have asked for a better first dance partner, it has been an absolute dream. This guy is what Strictly is about from not having danced a step 8 weeks ago and you just danced that Samba!” 

The remaining seven couples will take to the dancefloor next week, when the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special returns to the Tower Ballroom on Saturday 18th November at 6.40pm, with the results show on Sunday 19th November at 7.20pm on BBC One.