Yahoo News Strictly 2023: Love Island star latest to be sent home
Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity eliminated
What did you miss?
Love Island star Zara McDermott became the fifth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after failing to impress in the dreaded dance off.
Facing off against Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas in the dance off, both couples had to dance again to stay in the competition.
Thomas – who was an unexpected feature of the dance-off after his much-improved performance on Saturday night – went first with an American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como with McDermott following with a Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue.
After the dance-off, the judges unanimously decided to save Thomas.
What, how, and why?
After succeeding in the dance off twice already, third time was not the charm for McDermott.
First up, Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Adam and said: “For me one couple did remarkably well and nailed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.”
Motsi Mabuse also opted to save Adam and commented: “Well I feel there was definitely fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning, I will save Adam and Luba”
Anton du Beke, choosing to save Adam, said: "Well it's not much of a consolation now but both couples danced very well and both couples put their best foot forward. But for me it was the couple that was the best quality – and that couple is Adam and Luba."
Though head judge Shirley Ballas' vote would not have made any difference, she also said she would have chosen to save Adam.
Speaking after the announcement, McDermott said: “I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously. My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.”
Her partner Graziano Di Prima added: “She has been great for me 8:00am till 21:00pm. Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly."
What else happened on Strictly Come Dancing?
The results show opened with the professionals putting on a routine inspired by The Addams Family – fitting as it was Halloween week. Jowita Przystal portrays Wednesday Addams and the routine features lots of deadpan expressions and more than a couple of umbrellas.
The musical performance also came from pop legend Rick Astley who delivered a rocking rendition of his latest single Forever and More after his latest album hit number two in the UK charts.
Will we be back for more?
For fans of McDermott, she will be appearing on It Takes Two to give her exclusive exit interview.
We're now reaching the halfway stage of the series with the competition and quality increasing every week as only the best dancers remain on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 4 November at 7:05pm on BBC One.
