Strictly Come Dancing's James Bye struggled to fight back tears after host Tess Daly 'made him cry' by talking to him about his two sons. The moment even left fans watching from home emotional as the EastEnders actor became the fifth celeb in the 2022 series to leave the show, the Mirror reports.
After losing out to fellow contestant Fleur East in a dance off on Sunday night (Oct 30), Tess reminded James of how well he's done in the BBC competition and congratulated him on getting this far. She then went on to tell him that his two young boys were proud of him, which seemed to tip an already emotional James over the edge.
Tearing up, James told her: "Don't tell me that, Tess," to which she replied: "I think it's safe to say you've done that. You really have." James then put his hands to his eyes, adding: "Don't say that." Tess apologised for making him so emotional.
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Tess then addressed James' pro dancer partner Amy Dowden, who told her: “I'm so proud of you James. You came on here to show your boys they can throw themselves into any challenge in life.” The soap star jokingly responded: “What did I just say? I said don't bring the boys up.”
Amy insisted: “You're the best role model they could ever have as their dad. Honestly, I'm so proud. We've had so much fun.” When asked by Tess about his time on the show, James said: “I’ve said this from the very beginning, all I can do is go out there and do my very best. I am dancing against Fleur East, I went and did my best but she is phenomenal.
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"I’ve had the best time on this show and I have a friend for life [in Amy], all I can do is thank the family, and I have a new family now. It’s a competition but you don’t feel like that backstage, you honestly feel like everyone has each other’s backs and everyone is just willing everyone to do their best!"
Viewers took to Twitter to react to the emotional moment, with some admitting to welling up themselves. @PeachyloveKatie tweeted: "No!!! They were my favourites, I am crying."
@DrBeKnows put: "So James Bye crying with love for his sons is by far the best moment on Strictly this whole season! He made me cry, too! Devoted Dads like James raise their sons into good men. That’s how it works. James is a champion!"
@DarrenB14792865 typed: "I am sad James and Amy have gone. They had such a lovely connection and they worked so well together. And James had no dancing experience. And did really well. Should be proud of what he achieved. Best of luck for the future."
Meanwhile, @Ocarole28 added: “Oh Tess Daly just shut up you are all someone leaving needs …feel for James it was a c*** routine Strictly." @VintageFairFan said: "Does Tess deliberately try to make the losing celebrity cry?"
The remaining ten couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One.
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