Sadly, after all the joy of the performances one couple has to go home each weekend from Strictly Come Dancing. This week the dreaded 'red light of doom' fell on another pair after judges' scores and viewers' votes were combined.
This weekend, British former Paralympian Ellie Simmonds became the sixth contestant to leave the BBC dance contest after facing CBBC star Molly Rainford in the dreaded dance off. Both couples performed their routines again.
Ellie and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin reprised their charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate. Then Molly and her dance partner Carlos Gu repeated their foxtrot to You Make Me Happy by My Sun and My Stars in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition.
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All four judges Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas opted to save Molly. Head judge Shirley said: "Well it was one of the best dance offs I think I’ve ever seen."
There were tears as gold medal-winning swimmer Ellie paid tribute to her dance partner and said: “I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience - life changing really.
"I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence. And all of you guys - the pros. Every single one of you who’ve been part of this Strictly. Behind closed doors, the costume designers, I’ve literally loved waking up every single day and dancing."
She added: "I’m going to dance forever. It’s incredible. This show is life changing." Then fans were sobbing as a tearful Nikita was asked if he had words for his dance partner and gave an emotional speech.
“First of all make me speak first next time because I am crying!" he said. "I am a bit disappointed as I wanted Ellie to have a bit more time on this TV show, I know how much it means to her. I’m really happy that this journey has been with you because she has taught me so so much, so much empathy, just so much, I’ve learnt so much in these seven weeks."
He added: "I really wanted to go with you to Blackpool, I think we should go there for the rides? I love you Els, I just want to tell you every single person in this room loves you. That is just to say how much of a beautiful human you are, you spend time to go to each person inside this room, you care about everybody, you are just such a wonderful human and I am so glad I’ve had the chance to dance with you.”
@adammarkrobson tweeted: "Okay that speech broke me." @lora4dan said: "Wailing at #strictly." And @helholds wrote: "Oh god I’m sobbing."
@hfreeman_93 wailed: "AWHHHHH! NIKITA." @Samanth22356123 said: "The saddest #Strictly departure EVER!!!"
And @Jemma_Hale tweeted: "Oh god NIKITA with the speech there. 'Every single person in this room loves you.' What a lovely lovely thing to say to someone."
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