Yahoo News 'Strictly' 2021: Who's in the final and who went home?
Strictly Come Dancing has named its 2021 finalists after Rhys Stephenson was voted out in the semi-final.
Rose Ayling-Ellis, AJ Odudu and John Whaite discovered they had won places in next week's series final as all four judges chose to send Stephenson and his dance partner Nancy Xu home from the dance off.
Read more: AJ Odudu says Strictly romance rumours have scared off real suitors
They went up against John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, with the judges telling both couples it was the toughest decision they'd ever faced as they both deserved to be in the final.
“I might not have got to the Final, but I've won so much" 🙌
They brought the energy, the joy and a Charleston that made #Strictly history. Rhys and Nancy, what an incredible journey!@RhysStephenson1 @Nancy_xuxi pic.twitter.com/35he1dNr9b— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2021
Craig Revel Horwood said: “In all the years I’ve been doing the show since 2004, I really do not want to make this decision tonight. This has been one of the most amazing dance offs I’ve ever witnessed.
"Both couples are equal and both couples deserve to go through and I just want to put both couples through. I know I’m not allowed to do that so I have to choose. I’m going on the technical side and it’s to do with clean finishes. I’d like to put through to the final, John and Johannes."
They did it! Your three fabulous #Strictly Finalists are...
🌟 AJ and Kai
🌟 John and Johannes
🌟 Rose and Giovanni@AJOdudu @Kaiwidd @jojo_radebe @RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/OMSMIjbJtg— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2021
Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke both agreed with his judgment, and head judge Shirley Ballas added that she would have saved Whaite and Radebe, too.
congrats john and johannes !!! but poor rhys and nancy ☹️ this is one of the best dance offs i’ve ever seen and rhys would’ve made it into the final any other year. he should be proud of himself. #strictly
— mel (@melxadamson) December 12, 2021
I want to give Rhys and Nancy the biggest hug. They've handled this semi final weekend with such grace and dignity. It's such a shame the top 4 got scrapped this year because all 4 couples deserved the final spot. #Strictly
— Shirleigh (@ShirleighShirlz) December 12, 2021
Rhys has done himself so proud. There’s absolutely no shame in getting this far. Well done young man #Strictly #SCD #StrictlyComeDancing
— Sara 💙 (@Mabel_Mouse_) December 12, 2021
The couples each had to perform two routines in Saturday's show and Stephenson chose his Samba for the dance off, while Whaite picked his Jive.
Stephenson said: “I might not have gotten to the final but I learnt so much from just being on this show, from everyone here who’s just supported us in this new family.
Read more: Rose Ayling-Ellis 'so proud' to be role model as first deaf contestant
"To have the time to spend with this champion of a dancer who’s put so much into me. Thank you for just letting my energy shine. Thank you for being that partner. I should use your actual name which is Xu YouJie. Thank you so much Nancy Xu YouJie, for just being there, being my rock and everything I needed to get through this."
Next Saturday, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice, AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington, and Whaite and Radebe will all compete in the grand final with three dances each.
The winner will be chosen in Saturday's show, succeeding 2020 champion Bill Bailey who won with Oti Mabuse.
EastEnders actor Ayling-Ellis and her partner Pernice are currently the bookies' favourites to win.
Watch: Who is Strictly's Rhys Stephenson?
