Kym Marsh turned tearful as she became the tenth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing alongside her professional partner Graziano Di Prima.
The Coronation Street star has now exited the show just one week after she made her return to the BBC One ballroom floor following a bout of coronavirus.
Kym landed in the dreaded dance-off alongside Molly Rainford and her dance partner Carlos Gu following a spectacular instalment of Musicals Week on the talent show.
The two couples then returned to the dance floor in the hopes of impressing the judging panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas.
Molly and Carlos once again performed their Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago, before Kym and Graziano Di Prima performed their Cha Cha to Fame from the musical.
After the performances, it was up to judges to decide who would continue into the next round of the BBC show in the hopes of raising the Glitterball trophy.
Craig was the first to save Molly and Carlos, noting that both couples ‘danced brilliantly’ and he was reluctant to see either go.
Motsi then made the same decision, saying: “First of all, I want to say to both of you, that you can be so so proud of yourselves. You’ve both been so great and amazing.”
Yet, Anton then saved Kym and Graziano, also noting the ‘incredible’ quality of the dance-off.
He said: “I thought both couples danced brilliantly, but I felt one couple raised their game with a freedom which they didn’t have on Friday night, and because of that I am going to save Kym and Graziano.”
The decision then ultimately fell to head judge Shirley, who decided to save Molly and Carlos with her casting vote.
Shirley said: “First of all huge congratulations to both couples. Both couples danced exquisitely, it’s been a very difficult decision to make. But based on this dance and this dance alone, I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.”
Host Tess Daly then asked Kym if she had any final words, to which the soap star said she had ‘loved every single second’ of the experience.
She said: “I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years. I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever.
“What a journey it’s been. This show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be.
“Everybody, the crew, the celebs, the pros, costume, make up, everyone is amazing. I’ve had the best time, so thank you.”
On the support from her family, Kym became tearful as she said: “My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going.
“When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.”
When asked if he had any words for his partner, Graziano said: “I will be part of your family forever, I think we became friends from the very first day. I know you’ve learnt how to dance, but I have learnt so much from you, you are a warrior. You’re going to be in my heart forever, we’re going to be together many times, because I know I have found a friend for life.”
The remaining five couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the semi final when Strictly Come Dancing will return live on Sunday December 11 at 7.15pm, with the results show on Monday December 12 BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
