Kym Marsh and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima became the tenth dancing duo to be booted from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday’s results show.
The actress, 46, narrowly missed out on getting through to the semi-finals after facing Molly Rainford and her partner Carlos Gu in week 11’s dreaded dance-off.
In Saturday’s live show, Kym came bottom of the leaderboard as she returned to the dance floor after being forced to miss last week’s show due to a positive Covid test.
Farewell! Kym Marsh and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima became the tenth dancing duo to be booted from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday’s results show
Kym received glowing feedback from the judges on Musicals Week but still found herself at with lower marks than her peers, scoring 34 points – with two nines from Motsi and Shirley.
And following the public vote, Kym and Graziano landed in the bottom two alongside Molly, 22, and performed the Cha Cha to the musical Fame in a bid to remain in the contest.
Former Britain’s Got Talent star Molly and her dancing partner Carlos also took to the floor for a second performance of their Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago.
However, the judges picked Molly and Carlos to go through to the semi finals, after she came in second place with 38 points during Friday’s live show.
Tension: The actress, 46, narrowly missed out on getting through to the semi-finals after facing Molly Rainford and her partner Carlos Gu in the dreaded dance-off
Nervous: Kym looked tense ahead of the show where she found out that she would have to dance again
After both couples had danced for a second time, Craig Revel Horwood delivered his verdict, sending Molly and Carlos through to next week’s live show.
He said: ‘It’s always so difficult at this point of the competition, because both couples danced brilliantly, I don’t want to see either couple go.
‘I am really splitting hairs, but the couple I want to save, based just on the best dance tonight for me is Molly and Carlos.’
Motsi Mabuse then gave another vote to Molly and Carlos, saying: ‘First of all, I want to say to both of you, that you can be so so proud of yourselves. You’ve both been so great and amazing. I’m going to base my decision on this dance off and I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.’
Sweet: Host Tess Daly then asked Kym if she had any final words, and she then gushed over her ‘friend forever’ Graziano, saying she never expected to make it so far in the competition
But Anton Du Beke then saved Kym and Graziano, putting the deciding vote on head judge Shirley Ballas.
Delivering his verdict, he said: ‘As you’d expect at this time of the competition, the quality of the dance off was incredible, I thought both couples danced brilliantly, but I felt one couple raised their game with a freedom which they didn’t have on Friday night, and because of that I am going to save Kym and Graziano.’
Casting the deciding vote, head judge Shirley then decided to save Molly and Carlos, meaning it was Kym and Graziano who were sent packing.
She said: ‘Well first of all huge congratulations to both couples. Both couples danced exquisitely, it’s been a very difficult decision to make. But based on this dance and this dance alone, I’m going to save Molly and Carlos.’
Verdict: Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse both saved Molly and Carlos, while Anton Du Beke saved Kym and Graziano, with Shirley Ballas sending the former through with her deciding vote
Upset: Molly reacts after being placed in the bottom two again during Saturday night’s show
Host Tess Daly then asked Kym if she had any final words, with the former Hear’Say singer then gushing over her ‘friend forever’ Graziano, saying she never expected to make it so far in the competition.
She said: ‘Honestly I’ve loved every single second that I’ve been here. I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years. I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever.
‘But what a journey it’s been, this show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be.
‘Everybody, the crew, the celebs, the pros, costume, make up, everyone is amazing. I’ve had the best time, so thank you.’
Exit: In Saturday’s live show, Kym came bottom of the leaderboard as she returned to the dance floor after being forced to miss last week’s show due to a positive Covid test
Kym went on to praise her family for supporting her, saying watching her on the show has kept her father ‘going’, after he was hospitalised last week.
She continued: ‘My dad has been so proud and it’s kind of kept him going. When he was in hospital last week, and obviously we weren’t here, all these guys sent him videos and it meant such a lot. My grandchildren are so proud.’
When asked if he had any words for his partner, Graziano said: ‘I will be part of your family forever, I think we became friends from the very first day.
‘I know you’ve learnt how to dance, but I have learnt so much from you, you are a warrior. You’re going to be in my heart forever, we’re going to be together many times, because I know I have found a friend for life.’
Scores: Kym received glowing feedback from the judges but still found herself at with lower marks than her peers, scoring 34 points – with two nines from Motsi and Shirley
Her elimination came after she and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima danced a Cha Cha to Fame the musical on Friday’s live show.
The show was moved to Friday night from its usual Saturday slot due to World Cup scheduling while the results show will be held on Saturday night at 5:40pm.
Kym received very positive feedback from the judges but still found herself at the bottom of the leaderboard, scoring 34 points – with two nines from Motsi and Shirley.
Giving his feedback Craig said: ‘There’s no room for error in a leotard, you ave the body of a 20 year old! I loved the solo stuff and hip action you did brilliantly. Motsi then added: ‘The cheekiness and energy was there and you came back with a bang!’
Tough: Kym went on to praise her family for supporting her, saying watching her on the show has kept her father ‘going’, after he was hospitalised last week
Praise: Of her performance, Anton said: ‘It was tremendous you’re a great jazz dancer, your work is so clean and the timing was immaculate’
Shirley said: ‘I’m impressed with how much you can move your body and you look amazing, the bit you did on your own was so impressive and you gave your all, I’m delighted to have you back.’
Anton said: ‘It was tremendous you’re a great jazz dancer, your work is so clean and the timing was immaculate!’
Elsewhere during the jam-packed episode, Helen Skelton and her partner Gorka Marquez joint topped the leaderboard with Will Mellor and Nancy Xu.
They both scored an impressive 39 points, Helen and Gorka for their Couple’s Choice dance and Will and Nancy for their foxtrot.
The remaining five couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the semi final when Strictly Come Dancing will air live on Sunday 10th December at 7.15pm, with the results show on Monday 11th December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Wow! Elsewhere during the jam-packed episode, Helen Skelton and her partner Gorka Marquez joint topped the leaderboard with Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
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