Ellie Simmonds has shared her gratitude to fans after she and Strictly Come Dancing partner Nikita Kumzin had convinced themselves they'd be in the latest dance-off. The pair survived another week in the BBC One dance contest following the public vote after the show's Halloween special.
The Paralympic champion and professional dancer were dressed as Velma Dinkley and Shaggy Rogers from the American TV series Scooby Doo during their Foxtrot to the show's theme.
Despite their elaborate outfits, judge Craig Revel Horwood, who left fans 'obsessed' as he donned a Morticia Addams costume, said: "It was very stop-and-start and that annoyed me to no end. It wasn’t my favourite, it was slightly boring." The pair received 29 points out of a possible 40.
And Ellie and Nikita clearly showed their surprise as Strictly co-host Tess Daly called out their names during Sunday night's results show to reveal they had made it through to week seven in the competition. But while talking to co-host Claudia Winkleman, Ellie struggled through tears as she shared her gratitude for making it through the competition.
"Now Ellie, you’re quite emotional," the host pointed out as Ellie replied: "Yeah, I am very much so because we were in the bottom two of the leaderboard." As she turned to Nikita, struggling through tears, he continued: "We were ready for the dance-off."
Ellie admitted: “I had a double espresso thinking I’m going to be in the dance-off.” As their co-stars laughed, the gold medal-winning swimmer added: "We just want to thank everyone so much for the love and support, don’t we?" as Nikita added: "We’re extremely grateful, it’s truly special we get to do it here and get another week."
Turning to Ellie, he continued: “And getting to do another week with you is special, thank you, thank you very much." And following the results show airing, Ellie took to Instagram with a heartfelt message. Sharing a sweet photo of her and Nikita dressed as their iconic characters, she typed: "Halloween Week - You have your ups and your downs. Last night was one of those.
"We’ve learnt from it. And we’re grateful for every single person who voted for us and has given us another opportunity to dance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m loving every minute of dancing on Strictly with Nikita by my side.
"Also a huge shout out to the Costume Department @vickygilldesign & Team, Hair/Wig @lisadaveyhair @aysecertel and Makeup @lisaarmstrongmakeup @bryony_blake they transformed me into Velma and made Halloween week so incredible. And hands up for the Prop Department too (we used them lots)."
She ended her post: "Another week with @nikita__kuzmin Love ya bud," before her followers flocked to show her support. @micheleabson said: "I am loving watching you on strictly……your bubbly personality and enthusiasm just shines through. Just keep being you."
@pamelaobrien.po commented: "Ellie you are just brilliant, and thank you to Nikita for taking care of you." @the5thbayview wrote: "The audacity of Craig to say it was boring tho. IT WAS AMAZING GOOD JOB." @valmackval posted: "Well done you are doing so well. Can’t wait to see you both dance again."
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