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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

BBC Strictly's Tyler addresses 'shade' from judge Craig and cries after pro partner Dianne pays him the ultimate compliment

After a hip-shaking salsa to a KC and The Sunshine Band Megamix on Strictly Come Dancing, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell found themselves in the bottom two in Sunday’s results show. There were shockwaves as the pair were in a dance-off against Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu who performed a jive to Bandstand by Barry Manilow.

Following the dance off, fans were left disappointed as it was the end of Tyler and Dianne’s Strictly journey and they became the eighth couple to leave this year’s series of the BBC dance competition. For their first interview following their elimination the pair spoke with Rylan Clark on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two about their exit..

On what it was like performing for their final time at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom Kiss FM DJ Tyler said: “It was genuinely everything and more. Dancing on that floor, I can't describe that feeling. Honestly, I loved every second it literally just felt like it was me and Di dancing out there, and the amazing dancers as well. It was surreal, just absolutely surreal.”

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On their trusting relationship Dianne paid Tyler the ultimate compliment as she praised that she 'trusted' him more than her fellow professional dancers. “Honestly, dancing with Tyler every single week, I have felt so comfortable," she said.

"I have so much trust in him, more so than some of the pro dancers!" she told Rylan, who laughed with delight at her remark. She continued: He is just amazing he always says to me ‘I promise you I’ll never drop you'."

Tyler and Dianne on It Takes Two (BBC)

Tyler fans were unimpressed on Saturday night's live show when sharp-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood had a dig at Tyler after Will Mellor's performance. When showering Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star Will with praise for his samba, he told the actor: "There was so much hip content, I think you need to go backstage and teach Tyler a thing or two about that."

His remark about Tyler, nicknamed 'Mr Rhythm' by head judge Shirley Ballas, prompted shock from the audience and his fellow judges. Craig added: "Just saying!"

Rylan asked Tyler: "After Will's dance Craig threw a little bit of shade your way with those hips What did you make about the comment about your hips?" And Tyler told him with a smile: "Unnecessary, it was."

Craig threw 'shade' at Tyler (BBC)

But he added: "All the judges, they make their comments but I'm so grateful to dance in front of them and work with them on the show, they're all amazing. You take it on board, you grow with it and you try to work harder and I feel we left it all there on the dancefloor."

As he reflected on his Strictly experience, Tyler praised dance partner Dianne as he said: “I'm just little old Tyler from some South London council estate, it's just surreal to then be dancing in front of millions of people. I used to be the shyest kid ever, she [Dianne] brought the best out me on that dance floor.

"Di is what Strictly is all about. She has the passion, she has the power, she has the drive, she has the creativity and she has the patience!”

The pair shared a hug (BBC)

And the tearful radio presenter reached for a tissue and wiped his eyes when Dianne was asked about having Tyler as a partner. She said: “Tyler is just everything you want in a partner and more, I can't even explain how grateful I am to be given this opportunity to be able to give my best choreography, because he's just such a talent.

"And like I said in our leaving speech, your smile lights up a room and you always gave me everything and more. So thank you so much. You're an absolute legend.”

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