Strictly Come Dancing star Richie Anderson has exited the show after a shock dance-off with Fleur East.
The radio DJ was axed from the show tonight after a dance-off with the Sax singer, with Richie and his dance partner Giovanni Pernice performing their Samba to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King whilst Fleur and her dance partner Vito Coppola performed their American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid.
As the pair danced again, the four judges were asked to give their verdict on who they'd want to see dance again. Craig Revel Horwood was first to give his decision after the tough dance-off.
Opting to save Fleur, Craig said: "I would like to save the most accomplished technician and that is Fleur and Vito.”
Meanwhile, Motsi described it as a "heartbreaking" and said the two celebrities were the wrong people for the bottom two.
"I think it’s heartbreaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here but this is how the public voted and based on this dance off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito," she admitted.
Anton du Beke was next to choose - if he picked to save Fleur, she would make it through to the next week and Richie would be sent home. If he picked the radio DJ, he would have a chance of dancing again.
Unfortunately for Richie, Anton opted to save Fleur, adding: " Well I thought that was a well danced dance off. I thought both couples performed well, I thought one couple was a bit more sure footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry about what they were doing, so the couple I would like to save is Fleur and Vito."
With three votes to Fleur, it meant Richie would be heading home as Shirley Ballas was asked for vote.
"Well with the two couples the public put in the bottom two I would have saved Richie and Giovanni," she said simply as she confirmed she would have voted for Richie and Giovanni.
After host Tess Daly confirmed Richie would be leaving, the radio DJ admitted
"Do you know what as a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of," he said, "I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and i feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day.
"Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience, I love you so much."
Giovanni also added: "I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a super fan. And I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you. It’s been a shame its been too short for us but I hope you’ve enjoyed every single second of it, and it stays in your heart forever. Look at us we’ve gone out dressed as Timon and Pumbaa. So lovely jubbly, well done Richie."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
