Larger than life Strictly contestant Tameka Empson has become the second celeb to lose her place in this year’s competition.
The EastEnders favourite and partner Gorka Marquez took on TV presenter Laura Whitmore and her pro dancer Giovanni Pernicein the dance off.
The two couples came bottom in the movie-themed week, after viewers’ votes were combined with the judges’ scores.
Both couples performed their routines again; Laura and Giovanni did their Salsa to Rhythm of The Night by Valeria Andrews (from the movie Moulin Rouge) and Tameka and Gorka performed their Tango to The Heat Is On (from the movie Beverley Hills Cop).
After both couples had danced a second time the judges delivered their verdicts: Craig and Bruno chose to save Laura and Giovanni.
Craig said: “Well this is, I have to say, a little bit of a nightmare. I don’t feel like I have been in this position before. To be honest I can normally make a very clear decision but both couples were extraordinary. One couple really flew through the routine better than they had previously and the other couple I thought even bettered that. And the couple I thought bettered that was Laura and Giovanni.”
Bruno said: “Well let me say these girls are fantastic, you two shouldn’t even be here. Both great performers, you gave it all you had but I think out of the two performances the stand out one was from Laura and Giovanni.”
Darcey chose to save Tameka and Gorka.
She said: “Well again I marked them both exactly the same in the main show and seeing them again tonight they’ve both made an improvement, cleaned up the attack of both of them. Incredibly difficult to make a choice. But for me, because it was a stronger focus and intent into the performance, I am going to save Tameka and Gorka.
Bruno said: “Well let me say these girls are fantastic, you two shouldn’t even be here. Both great performers, you gave it all you had but I think out of the two performances the stand out one was from Laura and Giovanni.”
Head Judge Len Goodman had the casting vote and chose to save Laura and Giovanni.
He said: “Well as my colleagues have said they both came out and they really went for the dance. It was full on, there was plenty of attack, as Bruno said in my opinion neither should be in the dance off but that’s the nature of the thing. But I’ve got to go with the couple that I felt did the more polished performance and that’s Laura and Giovanni.”
When asked by Tess if she had enjoyed her time on the show, Tameka said: “I have enjoyed my time immensely, I really have. The costume, the hair, everybody. There are just so many people. Every department shows a lot of love and you guys watch it at home but it’s really lovely to be a part of it and I’m grateful so thank you.”
Gorka was asked if he had any words for Tameka and said: “Well she knows already everything as I say it all the time. Thank you.
“Thank you for being an amazing partner, for teaching me so many things in this new world for me. And thank you for being such an amazing person.”
Tameka added: “Gorka is such a lovely person, I think he is a great asset to the show. And you have showed me so much passion, so much patience, motivation and I love you. I really do. I think you’re fantastic.”
Aww, bless ’em. We’ll miss her massive sense of fun.