The Olympic gold medallist found himself in the bottom two of the Strictly scoreboard alongside former footballer David James.
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James Cracknell (left) faced David James ion Sunday night's dance-off.
BBC
The judges’ scores from this week were added to those from last week, and then combined with the results of the viewers’ votes to decide which two celebs would face each other in the dance off.
James and his dance partner Luba performed their jive to Tutti Fruitti by Little Richard, and David and his partner Nadiya performed their Paso Doble to Spanish Gypsy by Espana Cani in a bid to impress the four judges and remain in the competition.
After both couples had danced a second time the judges delivered their verdicts.
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Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
BBC
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save David and Nadiya, telling the couple: “Well for me in that dance off one couple improved beyond compare and that couple is the couple I would like to save, David and Nadiya.”
Motsi Mabuse also chose to save David and Nadiya, saying: “I felt a stronger performance, a stronger intention, clearer actions.”
Bruno Tonioli said: “I have to save the couple that really showed to me how you apply and you work on the comments of the judges and deliver a performance that is almost night and day from one day to the other… David and Nadiya”.
Head Judge Shirley Ballas confirmed she would have also sent James home.
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Strictly
BBC
When asked by Tess about his time on the show, James said: “Definitely enjoyed the last three days of the last week as I got to grips with the steps and started to enjoy it.
“I’m enjoying it anyway, the luxury of being with someone so good and learning off them. I’m a way better dancer than I was two weeks ago.
“Luba’s been amazing with being so patient with a couple of left feet.”
His professional partner, Luba Mushtuk was then asked if she had any words for James and said: “I would like to say a huge thank you with all my heart to make this journey so amazing. You inspired me every day and I hope you inspire many more other people to start dancing.”
Sunday’s Results show also featured a flamenco-inspired routine set on the rooftops of Barcelona from the professional dancers, plus a musical performance from Lewis Capaldi who performed his number one hit single, Someone You Loved.
The remaining fourteen couples will take to the dance floor next week for the annual Movie Special.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 5 October at 7.10pm with the results show following on Sunday 6 October at 7.15pm on BBC One.
16 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Nigella Lawson(01 of16)
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Dads up and down the country would be glued to their sets every Saturday night if this much-loved TV chef signed up for the show. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Danny Dyer(02 of16)
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Having the 'EastEnders' star's on-screen wife is great, but we all know it's really Mr Dyer we really want to see on the floor. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Sarah Harding(03 of16)
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Sarah might insist she's concentrating on acting and singing right now, but given the less-than-stellar reviews for her 'Corrie' appearance (not to mention her debut single), 'Strictly seems like a possible stop for the former Girls Alouder. (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Craig David(04 of16)
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He's got a music career to resurrect and he looks great with his top off. It couldn't make any more sense. (credit:Iconic via Getty Images)
Myleene Klass(05 of16)
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As one of the most omnipresent stars in celebville, we can't believe she hasn't done it already. (credit:Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
Boris Johnson(06 of16)
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Because every series needs a public figure who is just hopeless on the dance floor. (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of16)
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Well, let's be honest, she's done nearly every other reality series. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Richard and Judy(08 of16)
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With Richard's ego there's no way he'd take any nonsense from the judges, making him a dream contestant. Plus everyone knows there's no Richard without Judy, so his wife would have to join him on the show. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of16)
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The former 'Corrie' star would be able to get plenty of tips from her other half, as Mark Wright took part in last year's series. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Paddy McGuinness(10 of16)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of16)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(12 of16)
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As a former England captain, he'd attract a load of male fans to the show, and would probably be quite a good dancer. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Susan Boyle(13 of16)
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We mean, who doesn't want to see Susan Boyle performing her trademark wiggle on the 'Strictly' floor? (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Lee Ryan(14 of16)
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Surely it's only a matter of time before he follows in bandmate Simon Webbe's footsteps? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Mary Berry(15 of16)
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As the nation's favourite Grandma, she needs to do 'Strictly' for every Granny who's ever dreamed of being twirled around by Anton Du Beke. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
Sam Stanley(16 of16)
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The sports star would have been a pretty topical signing for the show, given he is the first rugby union player to publicly come out. (credit:David Rogers via Getty Images)