James Cracknell OBE has become the first celebrity to depart this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Olympic gold medallist found himself in the bottom two of the Strictly scoreboard alongside former footballer David James.
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.
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.
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.
