Karim Zeroual broke down in tears this week after making mistakes during his Viennese Waltz.
The children’s television presenter, 25, performed an emotional dance to Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran with his partner, Amy Dowden, 28.
But Zeroual – who consistently scores high marks and praise – cried after his performance was deemed not good enough by some of the judges.
Craig Revel Horwood said: “You must be a bit disappointed in that, I know, because two rather large mistakes, sadly, and ended in entanglement.
“Apart from the mistakes, there was too much rise and fall. It was very bumpy, I felt like you were doing chassés instead. I felt the whole thing was over-egged.
“It needs to be quieter, it needs to be smoother. You are such a talented dancer and you have musicality in spades – it was just a terrible shame tonight.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “We all know you’re beautiful dancer…when you got in hold today it looked a little bit uncomfortable.
“The footwork wasn’t great so it didn’t enhance the rest of the body, but you had a nice fleckle. The frame you’re starting to maintain a bit more with clarity.
“But I’m a little bit with Craig, I think you know you were a little bit disappointed.”
Bruno Tonioli said: “I know, it was obvious. You went wrong, You got a bit entangled but I get what you’re trying to do because you brought a sense of stormy romance into the Viennese Waltz. There were moments where you got it right.
“I appreciate you tried to push the envelope – I thank you for that – but don’t go wrong.”
Motsi Mabuse said she was “still impressed”, adding: “For me, you’re still the one to beat in the competition. Maybe the nerves? The nerves, the nerves, the nerves, the nerves. You’ve got this. Don’t let the pressure get to you.”
The duo scored 30 points from the judges.
Speaking afterwards, Zeroual said: “It was a hard one, I’m just gutted I went wrong.
“It was a tough one to come out with, sorry I don’t know why I’m getting upset,” before wiping tears from his eyes.
Dowden then also became upset as she comforted him, saying she was keen for the pair to head to Blackpool next week in the final weeks of the competition.
Presenter Claudia Winkleman then gained criticism from viewers for joking that should Zeroual and Dowden not make it through to the next round, she would “bring back some Blackpool rock” for them.
But several fans said they thought the comment was hilarious.
In response to her comment, Zeroual and Dowden laughed while some of the pros looked taken aback.
The Strictly couples who make it through to next week will be announced tomorrow.
The results show will air on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One.
