Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has been voted out of 'Strictly Come Dancing' after his samba failed to impress any of the judges.
When the judges' scores were combined with the results of the viewers' votes, Michael Vaughan and his partner Natalie Lowe, and former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and his partner Karen Hauer, became the next two couples to face the dreaded dance-off.
The two couples had to perform their dance from last night in a bid to win over judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood and be saved from elimination.
Michael Vaughan and his partner Natalie Lowe
All four judges voted to save Byrne after his second performance of the Argentine Tango.
Horwood said of Byrne and Hauer: "Well this couple were absolutely sensational, the second time round. That couple was Nicky and Karen."
Bussell said: "Well they both upped their game tonight. It's really difficult, but I'm going to save Nicky and Karen."
Tonioli said: "Well I really have to go for the couple who for me had the licence to thrill...and that was Nicky and Karen."
With this unanimous vote, it meant that Vaughan became the eighth celebrity to leave the competition.
After being booted out, Vaughan said: "I've had a ball. Nine weeks ago I had never been on a shiny floor, and I've got to December.
"September, October, November and still dancing in December. I've drained every ounce of dance ability out of my body because of this lady...everything about this show, the judges and everyone backstage, all the contestants have been great, I've got new friends that I've made for life.
"Nicky thoroughly deserved that win, he wiped the floor with me! I've had a ball, and the real winner for me is this one (Lowe). She got me to the ninth week, which is quite remarkable."
Lowe said: "Words can't describe how incredible you are. Thank you so much for making this dream come true.
"I'm sorry I couldn't have taken you further."
The couple scored a total of 24 in last night's show - the lowest score of the night.
Their samba also received the worst criticism from the judges with Goodman having said "it wasn't fantastic" and that Vaughan looked awkward.
There are now six celebrities left in the competition and three weeks until the final.
