There were again tears in the ballroom as the latest couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing was revealed. Saturday night's show saw 10's galore as the ten remaining couples pulled out all the stops as they fought for their place as the BBC One dance contest reached the halfway point.
Singer and CBBC star Molly Rainford found herself in the bottom two again alongside professional partner Carlos Gu despite receiving an impressive 35 out of a possible 40 points from the judges on Saturday night. The couple fell under the dreaded 'red light of doom' and had to reprise their foxtrot to You Make Me Happy by My Sun and My Stars.
Up against them and fighting for their place in the popular competition was Ellie Simmonds and dance partner Nikita Kuzmin. The Paralympic swimming champion once again performed their lively Charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate in a bid to impress the judges.
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And despite securing a solid score of 33 on Saturday night and had the audience and some of the judges on their feet following the routine, which had multiple spins and lifts, Ellie became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly 2022.
Reflecting on her time on the show five-time Paralympic gold medallist and broadcaster Ellie said: "I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience – life-changing really. I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence."
She praised the Strictly team, including the professional dancers and those behind the scenes, saying: "I’ve literally loved waking up every single day and dancing, I’m going to dance forever." Turning to her partner, she added: "He’s (Nikita) changed my life. We’ve had the most amazing days. We’ve had not just dancing days – but days we’ve just spoken for hours.
"And the confidence you’ve given me – I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so, so much and we’ve literally represented everything. We went out there and danced our life out every single night and I loved it so much."
An emotional Nikita admitted he was "a bit disappointed" to be leaving as he wanted Ellie to have more time on the show, but added that he was "really happy" that this journey had been with her and left his dance partner in tears in the process.
And fans were 'broken' and 'sobbing' over 'saddest departure' in show's history. But there was also outrage among Strictly viewers who felt it was unfair that Ellie left over Tony Adams, who was saved by the public and hasn't faced the dance-off once in seven weeks.
Now, fans think they know why former footballer Tony is sailing through each week despite landing bottom of the leaderboard this weekend with a score of 21. @darkhawk71 tweeted: "The Arsenal fanbase mobilising to keep Tony Adams in #Strictly is a highlight of the year... The meltdown it's causing among some hardcore fans is hilarious."
@LifeOverStrife wrote: "Ridiculous Ellie out and I know he can’t help it , but Tony Adams kept in - think the Arsenal supporters & those who fancy him are voting…" @CourierBoyUK shared: "Dunno how many Arsenal fans there are but it seems most of ‘em are voting for Tony Well done anyway #Strictly."
@AbbieBebe posted: "I think the Arsenal fans might carry Tony to the final #Strictly." @northbankkid typed: "Can’t believe Big @TonyAdams has me watching #strictly every week! Love the support for Mr Arsenal, can’t wait to see him lift another trophy." @thegoonerelite added: "The Strictly faithful are triggered…us Gooners always look after our own! #TA6 #Strictly."
The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.55pm, with the results show on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One.
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