Tyler West has become the eighth star to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
After an incredible week back at Blackpool for the first time in three years, the radio DJ and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell danced their Salsa to a KC & The Sunshine Band Megamix once more in a bid to stay in the competition. They faced Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dance-off, who re-danced their Jive to Bandstand Boogie by Barry Manilow.
It was then for the judges to give their verdicts on who they wanted to save. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge, Shirley Ballas, were all asked to give their verdict.
Craig was asked to give his opinion first - and he chose to save Molly and Carlos, but he did heap praise on Tyler after appearing to make a 'dig' at him for his lack of hip action at the close of the show yesterday.
"Wow, both couples danced so much better, they really did. Tyler, incredible hips, this time round, amazing. Molly, is lighter, brighter, and much more precise. I am finding this really difficult for the first time this season, but I would like to save Molly and Carlos," Craig said, before Motsi revealed she would be saving Molly and Carlos too as she praised their technique.
She said: "Yes both couples were better in this performance, I’ve based my decision because of technique styles and presentation and I am going to save Molly and Carlos." It was then up to Anton du Beke to give his verdict.
Whilst the judges have mostly agreed on this series, after such a close dance-off, Anton decided to save Tyler and Dianne.
"This is a testament to how incredible all the couples are, at this point of the competition. We have a situation here, where neither of these couples in competition deserves to be here, whereas they could have easily made the final. For me, brilliant performance by both the couples, but one of them was more dynamic, the couple I would like to save is Tyler and Dianne," he shared.
With two votes for Molly and Carlos and one for Tyler and Dianne, it was down to Head Judge Shirley Ballas to decide.
Choosing to save the CBBC presenter, Shirley added: "Well, I agree with my fellow judges, this is probably one of the most difficult dance off’s that we’ve ever had to choose. Both couples were outstanding, both improved their performances but I am going to go with what I believe in, and that is a quality of movement and precision in partnering, and I am going to go with Molly and Carlos."
Speaking after his exit, Tyler said: "I’m more than a two step now! When you watch the show at home, you wonder what it must be like to dance on it, it’s everything and more, it’s changed my life."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 26 th November at 7.15pm.
