Strictly has seen the ninth couple leave the dancefloor tonight (Sunday) ahead of next week's quarter-finals. Ellie Taylor is the next to go, missing out on a place in musicals week.
The Ted Lasso actress, 38, found herself up against Fleur East in the dance-off following the public vote. Taylor performed the jive to Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison with her professional partner Johannes Radebe.
After struggling to impress the judges with her Thelma and Louise-themed performance during Saturday night’s live edition of the BBC One show, Taylor once again left them feeling underwhelmed. Singer and radio host East, 35, then performed the rumba to Too Lost In You by the Sugababes with her partner Vito Coppola.
Craig Revel Horwood opted to save East, saying: “Based purely on the technique alone I would like to save Fleur and Vito.”
Motsi Mabuse agreed, and added: “First of all I would like to say that both couples performed really, really well, also for me the technical aspect was very important, so I’m going to save Fleur and Vito.”
Anton Du Beke also chose to save East but praised Taylor for her efforts: “I’d just like to say congratulations to both couples for getting this far into the competition. Both danced marvellously.
"I thought Ellie danced a great performance in your jive. And Fleur I thought your technique was strong and your performance was powerful, and I’d like to save Fleur and Vito.”
With three votes for East and Coppola it was confirmed Taylor would be heading home, but head judge Shirley Ballas did also confirm she would have chosen to save East.
She said: “Both couples danced exceptionally well but on this occasion, down to the technique qualities, I’d have saved Fleur and Vito.”
When asked by host Tess Daly whether the competition had been everything she had expected, Taylor said: “It has and it’s been, I’m going to be a cliche machine now, but it’s been everything and more. I never in a million years expected to be in for this long and to experience it so fully.
"Strictly is about dancing but it’s also about the people, and every part of this show from the top to bottom, from the execs to the make-up, to the hair to the costumes, to the sets to the band, to my fellow celebs and the dancers – even some of the judges have been alright. It’s been an absolute privilege to become part of the Strictly alumni and I’ve really, really loved it.”
Addressing his partner, Radebe added: “Oh my goodness – it’s been a pleasure, treasure, that’s our thing. Ellie Taylor, moving forward, embrace your weird.
"Embrace your long limbs, because you are one gorgeous person. So thank you for everything, you know my heart, thank you.”
Sunday’s results show opened with a colourful number by the Strictly professionals to Lizzo’s 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready), and also saw a performance by Tom Grennan of his hit single with Joel Corry, Lionheart.
Strictly Come Dancing will return for musicals week on December 2 at 8pm, followed by the results show on December 3 at the earlier time of 5.40pm due to the World Cup
