Susan Calman and Kevin Clifton were the ninth couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night.
The comedienne, 43, made an emotional exit from the beloved ballroom show, after finding herself in a shock dance-off with favourites Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Strictly super fan Susan departed the show with an emotional tribute to her partner Kevin, gushing: ‘He may not have won the Glitterball this year but he’s won Strictly for me.’
Emotional: Susan Calman and her partner Kevin Clifton were sent home on Sunday night’s Strictly Come Dancing
When asked by Tess if she had enjoyed her time on Strictly, Susan struggled to fight back her emotions – having been very open about her love of the show throughout her ten-week stint.
She said: ‘I have loved every minute of it. Everyone from wardrobe, make-up, the runners, you and lovely Claudia, Zoe on It Takes Two, the beautiful judges who have brought such light into my life every single week.
‘Everyone involved in the show, the audience, everyone who voted for us, we got far further than we thought we would.’
Tense: It was tense when show favourite Alexandra Burke (left, with partner Gorka Marquez) found herself in the dance off for the first time
She then ended her speech by paying tribute to those who have supported her – most notably Kevin, who she gushed had changed her life by teaching her how to dance.
She added: ‘To my friends and my family and my lovely wife who’s here every single week supporting me. Most of all, I’ve made a friend for life and Kevin may not have won the Glitterball this year but he’s won Strictly for me.’
Having formed a close bond on the show, the Grimsby native returned the favour by thanking Susan for being ‘the epitome of joy’ to work with.
Having the best time: Having formed a close bond on the show, the Grimsby native returned the favour by thanking Susan for being ‘the epitome of joy’ to work with
He said: ‘I’d like to say a couple of thank yous actually; when Strictly is on I’m not the easiest person to live with, I go a bit mad so I’d like to say first of all thanks to my wife for putting up with me.’
Praising the show itself for being a source of entertainment and an escape for the public, he went on: ‘I’d like to say thank you to Strictly Come Dancing and echoing everything that Susan said about everyone on it.
‘Because I think in a world where not everything going on at the moment is always nice, Strictly is the one thing that brings a lot of joy and happiness into the world through the wonderful thing that is dance.
Not up to scratch: The pair’s stint on the show came to an end after they failed to impress the judges with their American Smooth to Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin
‘And I think Susan you’ve been the absolute epitome of joy and happiness throughout this whole competition which in my eyes makes you a beautiful dancer. So thank you for dancing with me and thanks for being my friend.’
The pair’s stint on the show came to an end after they failed to impress the judges with their American Smooth to Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin.
However, the dance-off was made more shocking by the fact they were paired against Alexandra and Gorka – who have topped the leader board multiple times.
Shock: However, the dance-off was made more shocking by the fact they were paired against Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez – who have topped the leader board multiple times
Yet, the singer found herself in the danger zone of fourth place on Saturday night, after a lack-lustre Rumba, which scored only a seven from Craig Revel Horwood.
Despite not being her dance however, the couple still sailed through to Musicals week, after being saved by all four judges.
After the dance-off, Craig said: ‘Well simply the better dance of the night I believe, was Alexandra and Gorka.’
Not her best: The singer found herself in the danger zone of fourth place on Saturday night, after a lack-lustre Rumba, which scored only a seven from Craig Revel Horwood
Support: Despite not being her dance however, the couple still sailed through to Musicals week, after being saved by all four judges
Top of the shop: Fan favourites Joe McFadden and Katya Jones topped the leader board on Saturday night, after a dazzling Quickstep
While Darcey Bussell commented: ‘The couple I would like to save just for their artistry and technical ability is Alexandra and Gorka.’
Bruno Tonioli followed suit, adding: ‘Well first I really enjoyed them both but for different reasons. I have to say the best dancers in the dance-off were Alexandra and Gorka,’ taking the couple to the majority vote.
Head judge Shirley Ballas’ vote therefore did not count, but she too, opted to save the theatre performer.
Fan favourites Joe McFadden and Katya Jones topped the leader board on Saturday night, after a dazzling Quickstep, and placing second in the exciting Paso Doble-thon, giving them an extra six points.
Top performer: US musician Kelly Clarkson performed on Sunday night’s show
Intense: With dancers Janette Manrara and Gorka Marquez performing a beautiful routine, it was quite emotional
She’s back: Kelly is back with a new single and performed it on the show