Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice made their first television appearance after their shock elimination from Strictly Come Dancing in Movie Week over the weekend.
The pair landed in the dreaded dance-off alongside Fleur East and Vito Coppola, dancing their Samba to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King – sparking fears of racism among the voting public.
After Fleur and Vito had danced their American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid, the judges’ final decision saw three votes seal Richie and Giovanni's fate, making them the second couple to leave this year's competition.
Appearing on spin-off It Takes Two with host Rylan Clark, Richie opened up about the surprise axe and acknowledged he knew every Saturday ‘could be the last time’.
He said: “Every dance I’ve ever done, it might not have been technically perfect, but I’ve always gone out there and given it 110 percent. All you can do is hope it’s enough.
Acknowledging the fan outrage at Richie’s axe, after he was among the top celebrities on the leaderboard the week before, Rylan said: “There’s a lot of people shocked you’re sat here talking to me tonight.”
Richie replied: “I totally accept the result on Sunday night. It is what it is.”
Rylan said: “You made some great memories along the way Rich. I know you’ve been a bit emotional today.”
As the show then played a montage clip of Richie’s highlights on the show, the radio presenter began crying on the sofa next to Giovanni.
He apologised, adding: “I’m just so proud,” through tears.
Giovanni chipped in: “You should see the effort he put in every day. He really wanted to get it right. I’m glad you got to do this experience and maybe come back for the Christmas special.”
Both Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse agreed with Anton Du Beke that Fleur should be saved, while Head Judge Shirley Ballas added that she would have saved Richie and Giovanni.
When asked by host Tess Daly about their time on the show, Richie said: “As a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of, and being here it really is and it’s not just the people that you see on camera, the judges, and you and Claud and the amazing people that I’ve got to meet on this show.
“The people behind the scenes in hair, make up, everybody. I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and I feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day.
“Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience, I love you so much.”
Giovanni was then asked if he had any words for his partner Richie and said: “I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a superfan.
“And I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you. It’s been a shame it's been too short for us, but I hope you’ve enjoyed every single second of it, and it stays in your heart forever. Look at us, we've gone out dressed as Timon and Pumbaa. So lovely jubbly, well done Richie.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
