Tony Adams has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing with an injury, saving Tyler West from the dance-off. The former England footballer, 56, hurt himself on Saturday night, giving presenter and DJ West, 26, a free pass through to next week’s Blackpool special.
He ended up in the dreaded dance-off after failing to impress the judges with a jive to Land Of 1,000 Dances by Wilson Pickett, earning just 24 and bottom place on the leaderboard. Fleur East, meanwhile, topped the leaderboard, scoring 39 with an energetic samba to Hot Hot Hot by Arrow.
During the results show on Sunday, November 13, co-host Tess Daly said: “Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance-off and has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means there will be no dance-off tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool.” The couple did initially seem like they were going to compete in the dance-off, with the judges giving Tony some advice, and Craig Revel-Horwood telling him to 'smash it.'
But after it was announced he'd be leaving, Adams, who was partnered with Katya Jones, described his experience on the show as “emotional” adding: “I cried for the first month.”
The former sportsman said: “I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help. Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ rubbish was nonsense, but my God the rollercoaster of emotion.
“I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it, and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one (Katya), hadn’t I? She is an exceptional human being, she really is.”
Jones praised her celebrity partner for pushing through despite a series of low scores from the judges. She said: “I loved us, I loved that we didn’t care what people thought, we did every single dance our way. You have come here with a message, you led by example, and put yourself out there, and showed everyone you can do anything. Everyone deserves love and to be loved. I love you.”
Praise came from head judge Shirley Ballas, who said: “Tony, from the very first moment you stepped foot on the floor with your tango, to the last moment and the last kick, you have given us 100% of your heart. You have grown week after week after week, you have become one of the nation’s favourite entertainers.
“On behalf of the judges, we’ve enjoyed watching every second, you are truly what this show is all about, and we can only wish you the very best as you move forward. Please carry on dancing, carry on entertaining people, because you are a star. Well done.”
Fans were quick to praise former Arsenal footballer, Adams with one writing: "TonyAdams you have been brilliant on #Strictly and an inspiration to many…especially your story of sobriety. You’ve looked great, & came across as a genuinely nice guy. You’re dancing wasn’t embarrassing & you really entertained us. Thank you so much."
Another said: "TonyAdams you are an absolute STAR we are going to miss you, your smile and your commitment. Complete gent." And a third added: "Ah bless Tony. You cannot say he didn’t give it his best go. Truly in the spirit of the show to just have a try and enjoy yourself whilst doing so!"
The results show opened with a ballroom routine marking Remembrance Sunday featuring the Strictly professionals, with cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and singer Zak Abel performing their single Same Boat.
The remaining eight couples will next take to the dancefloor at Blackpool Tower on Saturday, November 19 at 7.45pm, with the results show on Sunday, November 20 at 7.20pm on BBC One.
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