Richard and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were chosen by all four of the judges to leave the competition, after landing in the bottom two against Simon Rimmer and Karen Clifton.
While Craig Revel Horwood said he loved the Reverend’s “entertainment value”, he saved Simon and Karen as he felt they were “technically better” in their performance.
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The two couples who got the least amount of votes performed for a second time
BBC
Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli agreed regarding the “technical” side of things, voting off Reverend Richard and Dianne, while Shirley Ballas said she’d also have voted to keep the ‘Sunday Brunch’ presenter on the show.
Following his elimination, Reverend Richard told presenter Tess Daly: “Every minute of [the experience] I’ve enjoyed, even when Dianne was hissing through her teeth ‘feet, frame, feet, frame’, it’s been completely joyous.
“I only forgot to reckon into my strategy that I can’t actually dance!”
Pressed for a personal highlight, he added: “I think really it’s coming together as a group of people, fellow celebs and pro dancers. It has just been a really really wonderful experience.”
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Richard channelled Flash Gordon this week
BBC
Pro dancer Dianne - a newcomer to ‘Strictly’ this year - added that the former Communards musician was a “friend for life”, adding: “I have had the time of my life.”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ returns next Saturday (14 October) on BBC One.
15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
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Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
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Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
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Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
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He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
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When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
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Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
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The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
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Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
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The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
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Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
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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)
Greg James(12 of15)
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Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
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Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
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The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)