revealed

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 37 for their Paso Doble to The Plaza of Execution from The Mask of Zorro.

The top three was rounded out by Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, who were awarded 35 for their American Smooth to Sixteen Going on Seventeen from The Sound of Music.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer’s Salsa to I Always Wanted a Brother from Mufasa: The Lion King earned them a respectable 32.

But it was a different story at the bottom of the leaderboard, with Ross King and Jowita Przystał’s Paso Doble to the theme from Thunderbirds Are Go earning just 19, despite encouraging remarks from the judges.

They were joined in the dance-off by Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, who were ninth on the leaderboard with a score of 26 for their Foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight from the movie Swing Time.

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After a hard-fought battle, it was Ross King who was eliminated, with Craig, Motsi, and Anton all choosing to save Balvinder. Head judge Shirley also revealed that she would have saved Balvinder if her casting vote had been needed.

Speaking about his time on the show, a tearful Ross said: “I have loved every single minute of it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, all the people who voted – they’ve been amazing.

“I want to thank everyone here in this room, backstage, the judges, the crew – every single person here has made me so, so welcome.

Ross then took a moment to thank his partner for all her support, describing her as “absolutely everything. She’s been a mentor, teacher, carer. I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show. Thank you, judges, for all your remarks.”

And Jowita was equally gushing about Ross: “Thank you so much for all of your work, for everything you have done during rehearsals. We laugh a lot – but we also cried! Thank you so much, and I hope I’m going to be a little part of your life forever.”

The remaining thirteen couples will return to the dancefloor next week.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 18 October at 6:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Amber Davies, Lewis Cope and George Clarke found themselves at the top of the leaderboard, with combined scores of 56, 55 and 54 respectively.

While Chris Robshaw, Thomas Skinner and Ross King were at the latter end with 30, 29 and 25 points, thanks to week one and week two points being combined.

However, it wasn’t the judges who’d be making the decisions, with the vote finally opened to the public.

Unfortunately for two celebrities, it was time for the dreaded dance-off, and Thomas Skinner and Chris Robshaw were the unlucky two.

Both couples performed their routines again. Thomas and Amy performed their Salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden, then Chris and Nadiya performed their Viennese Waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

The judges unanimously voted to save Chris, meaning Thomas Skinner was eliminated.

Due to all the judges being in agreement, the head judge casting vote that was bestowed onto Motsi Mabuse was not used this week. Mabuse said that she would also have chosen to save Chris and Nadiya, should she have been required to vote.

When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Thomas said: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing. It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well but I’ve had fun! Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, ‘cause you’re a different class.”

Then asked her time on Strictly this year, Amy Dowden said: “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much. We’ve worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything. I’ve made a new friend for life and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“There is a Ballroom boy in there so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom, but the last three years as you know have been quite difficult for me. I lost all confidence as a dancer – but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you.”

The remaining 14 couples will take to the dance floor next week for Movie Week, when Strictly Come Dancing returns at 6:05pm on Saturday 11th October.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 11th October at 6:05pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.