Ellie Simmonds wowed with her Charleston – but ended up in the dance-off (Picture: PA/BBC)
Ellie Simmonds has become the sixth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, despite wowing with one of her best dances to date.
The Paralympian, who was partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, faced the dance-off for the second week in a row, facing a tearful Molly Rainford and her partner Carlos Gu.
They performed their Charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kat again, before Molly and Carlos performed their foxtrot You Make Me Happy by My Sun And Stars in a bid to impress the judges.
After both couples had performed again, the judges gave their verdicts, which ultimately saved Molly and Carlos.
Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘Well, the couple I’d like to save are a couple that I think danced better than they did on Saturday night, in this particular dance off and that couple is Molly and Carlos.’
Motsi Mabuse added: ‘Well, the couple I’d like to save are a couple that I think danced better than they did on Saturday night, in this particular dance off and that couple is Molly and Carlos.’
Viewers were shocked to learn which couples were in the dreaded dance-off (Picture: BBC)
Anton Du Beke’s vote made the decision, and saved Molly and Carlos. He said: ‘Well I think both couples can take credit from dancing an absolutely terrific dance off. But, the couple I’d like to save for making the performance even better than on Saturday night are Molly and Carlos.’
Head judge Shirley Ballas said she also would have saved Molly and Carlos, explaining: ‘Well it was one of the best dance offs I think I’ve ever seen, but again the performance was a little bit stronger in this dance off and I would have awarded it to Molly and Carlos.’
However, Ellie stayed positive when asked by Tess about her time on the show, saying she’s had an absolute blast.
Ellie struggled to hold back her tears as she thanked Nikita for his support (Picture: BBC)
The much-loved pairing shared a hug (Picture: BBC)
‘I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience – life changing really,’ she said.
‘I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence. And all of you guys – the pros. Every single one of you who’ve been part of this Strictly. Behind closed doors, the costume designers, I’ve literally loved waking up every single day and dancing, I’m going to dance forever. It’s incredible, this show is life changing. He’s [Nikita] changed my life. We’ve had the most amazing days.
‘We’ve had not just dancing days – but days we’ve just spoken for hours. And the confidence you’ve given me – I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so so much and we’ve literally represented everything. We went out there any danced our life out every single night and I loved it so much.’
She had a blast performing (Picture: PA)
She thanked her pro partner Nikita for the experience (Picture: PA)
An emotional Nikita went on: ‘First of all make me speak first next time because I am crying!
‘I am a bit disappointed as I wanted Ellie to have a bit more time on this TV show, I know how much it means to her. I’m really happy that this journey has been with you [Ellie] because she has taught me so so much, so much empathy, just so much, I’ve learnt so much in these seven weeks.’
He admitted that he ‘really wanted’ to go to Blackpool with Ellie, but was keen to remind Ellie that everyone ‘loves’ her.
Molly and Carlos made it through to next week (Picture: PA)
The Ukrainian pro hailed her a ‘beautiful human,’ adding: ‘I am so glad I’ve had the chance to dance with you.’
Fans of the show were devastated to see Ellie eliminated, sharing how much they’re going to miss her.
‘Very sorry to see @EllieSimmonds1 leave #Strictly. She’s been a joy to watch,’ one fan tweeted.
‘Gutted wasn’t ready for this. Gonna miss the partnership between @EllieSimmonds1 @kuzmin__nikita won’t be the same without you both. Love you Ellie,’ tweeted another.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6:55pm on BBC One.
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