David James has become the fourth celebrity eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, after his Jive failed to impress the judges or the viewing public.
The former England goalkeeper and his partner Nadiya Bychkova had already been in the bottom two in two of the three dance-offs so far this series, and despite impressing with their performance last week, they once again found themselves on the chopping block in Sunday night’s results show.
He and Nadiya were in the firing line alongside BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell and his partner Katya Jones, who were unanimously saved by the judges.
“For me both couples were pretty much technically equal,” said Craig Revel Horwood. “But the couple who I’d like to save were the most confident performers and that was Mike And Katya.”
Motsi Mabuse said: “I felt that one couple gave me a better performance than I saw the first time so I’m going to save Mike and Katya.”
Guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro agreed: “The couple who I’m going to save put on a great show. The technique wasn’t there but they came out and delivered a showstopper for the audience to love so I’m going to save Mike And Katya.”
Following his elimination, David admitted he felt he’d “let Nadiya down in a sense”, but she insisted: “He’s done so well. I’m so proud of you. From the first day he couldn’t lift his elbows up or stand straight and now he’s delivered such an amazing Jive. I’m so proud.”
David also took the opportunity to praise fellow competitor Will Bayley, saying: “Just a word to Will: I think I work hard, but, man, that guy puts a shift in.”
Will was among the star performers in this week’s live show, even bringing judges Motsi and Alfonso to tears with a performance that he dedicated to anyone watching in hospital.
The remaining 11 Strictly couples will perform again live next Saturday night for the show’s annual Halloween special at 6.35pm on BBC One.
