Kym Marsh and dance partner Graziano Di Prima have become the latest couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The pair, who are the tenth couple to do so, faced Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dreaded dance off. Whilst Kym and Graziano danced a Cha Cha to Fame from the musical of the same name, Molly and Carlos performed a Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago.
Upon being voted off, Kym paid tribute to her father, whom she says has been so "proud" of her throughout the competition. She said: “My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going. When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.”
Kym commented on how she has "loved every second" of her time on the BBC dancing show. She told host Tess Daly: I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years. I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever.
Read more: Strictly's Kym Marsh sends message to fans after hitting back at 'hurtful' comments
"But what a journey it’s been, this show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be. Everybody, the crew, the celebs, the pros, costume, make up, everyone is amazing. I’ve had the best time, so thank you.”
Graziano then replied: “I will be part of your family forever, I think we became friends from the very first day. I know you’ve learnt how to dance, but I have learnt so much from you, you are a warrior. You’re going to be in my heart forever, we’re going to be together many times, because I know I have found a friend for life.” Kym was the pro dancer's first celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing.
Kym and Graziano's time in the competition came to an end after three out of the four judges chose to save Molly and Carlos. After both couples had danced, Craig Revel Horwood said: “It’s always so difficult at this point of the competition, because both couples danced brilliantly, I don’t want to see either couple go. I am really splitting hairs, but the couple I want to save, based just on the best dance tonight for me is Molly and Carlos.”
Then it was Motsi Mabuse's turn and she said: “First of all, I want to say to both of you, that you can be so so proud of yourselves. You’ve both been so great and amazing. I’m going to base my decision on this dance off and I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.”
Anton Du Beke chose to save Kym and Graziano. He explained: “As you’d expect at this time of the competition, the quality of the dance off was incredible, I thought both couples danced brilliantly, but I felt one couple raised their game with a freedom which they didn’t have on Friday night, and because of that I am going to save Kym and Graziano.” This meant that head judge Shirley Ballas got the deciding vote.
Shirley said: “Well first of all huge congratulations to both couples. Both couples danced exquisitely, it’s been a very difficult decision to make. But based on this dance and this dance alone, I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.”
With that, Kym and Graziano's time in the competition came to an end. But did the judges make the right decision? Let us know in the comments. Strictly Come Dancing continues next Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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