James Bye's wife has broken her silence on her husband's Strictly Come Dancing exit after he was life crying in the ballroom. The EastEnders actor became the fifth celebrity to be voted off the BBC One dance competition following Saturday night's Halloween special.
The 38-year-old, who has played Martin Fowler in the BBC One soap since 2014, found himself in the dreaded dance-off against singer and broadcaster Fleur East, who celebrated her birthday on the night Sunday results show was recorded. Dressed as a beekeeper, James reprised his Charleston to Bumble Bee by LaVern Baker with his professional partner Amy Dowden, who was dressed as a bee.
Meanwhile, Fleur and her professional partner Vito Coppola performed their salsa routine to Beyonce’s Break My Soul with judge Motsi Mabuse praising her power as a woman on the dancefloor. After both couples had danced for the second time, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save Fleur and send James home.
Craig Revel Horwood, who left fans 'obsessed' with his Halloween makeover on Saturday, said it was his “responsibility” as a judge to “save the better dancer”, meanwhile Motsi said there were “different levels of dancing on the dance floor." Anton added: "I thought both couples danced better on Saturday night. They didn’t reproduce their best performance, but it doesn’t have to be the best performance, it has to be better and I thought their performance was just good enough."
Reflecting on 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. 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."
He added: "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!" But the soap star broke down when co-host Tess Daly mentioned his three children and how he signed up to the show to make them proud.
"Don't tell me that Tess," he said starting to cover his face as she insisted: “I think it's safe to say you've done that. You really have.” Becoming overwhelmed James said again: “Don't say that,” and Tess apologised at having made the star emotional. Amy also felt James' emotional bite when she also praised her partner, saying: “You came on here to show your boys they can throw themselves into any challenge in life, and you are the best role model they could ever have as their daddy. I am so proud of you."
But nobody could be more proud than his wife, Victoria, and their three sons. Posting a series of picture of herself with James, still dressed as a beekeeper, in the Strictly ballroom, she typed: "So… that was emotional. And there you go…. the Strictly journey is finally over. And what a journey it was…
"With a final bow & heartfelt thank you to the audience, a hug full of gratitude to Amy and a smile full of emotion to me. He hung up his dancing shoes for the final time. And I truly couldn’t be prouder. The boys are overwhelmed… full of pride and smiles (and overjoyed to have their best buddy back in the gang) And I’m just amazed by what he’s done. To be able to learn to dance like that, whilst working full time and trying to parent the rabble is just madness."
She went on: "Being there tonight applauding during the standing ovation, watching you - still smiling through happy tears, a true professional til the end. I felt truly lucky that you were mine. And so flippin’ glad that you were coming home. And so that’s that. We’re officially hopping off the Strictly rollercoaster … I’m so grateful for our time on this journey… and so very grateful to Amy, our family and friends - and every single one of you lovely lot for the support.
"To all of you. Thank you from both of us. It’s meant the world. And to you Mr B… take a bow… you’ve earned it." Dance partner Amy also shared her own tribute to James alongside a string of photos of the pair throughout their six weeks in the hit dance contest. Where to start! @jimmybye thank you for all the laughs, commitment, positivity and fun the past few weeks.
"So proud and honoured to be your partner and watch you improve each week! You really do show the meaning of work ethic! Working full time whilst learning to dance but always bringing so much energy and banter to the training room which I’m really going to miss!
"Big thanks to your entire family for welcoming me and supporting us each week @lifewiththebyes Gutted our journey has come to an end but just the beginning of our friendship! Finally big thank you to everyone who supported our journey! Welsh love always."
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