Yahoo News Strictly 2023: Waterloo Road star latest eliminated
Adam Thomas finished bottom of the leaderboard and was sent home by the judges
What did you miss?
Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas became the latest contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The actor had finished joint bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday and became the sixth celebrity to be sent home after failing to impress the judges in a dance off against Angela Rippon.
Thomas had survived the dance off last week but the judges unanimously agreed he was the weakest of the two competitors.
What, how, and why?
Rippon went first in the dance off, performing a waltz to Fascination by Nat King Cole with Thomas going second, once again dancing a rumba to Dancing on My Own by Calum Scott.
Craig Revel Horwood was the first judge up and opted to save Rippon, commenting: “It’s a tough one actually because I think both couples have improved in the dance off and I really like both couples, so I’m going to have to make a decision on technique alone and on that decision, I would like to save Angela and Kai.”
Motsi Mabuse chose next and agreed with Horwood's decision and said: “Well I had to agree with Craig it was a really, really tough one this time, and both improved but I will save Angela and Kai.”
Anton Du Beke acknowledged that there was not much to choose from between Rippon and Thomas but sided with his colleagues: “This is the closest dance off we’ve had in the series so far, it’s been easy so far but this has been the most difficult. Obviously very different styles of dance, but danced them very well, but with the content and clarity of the technique I’m going to have to save Angela and Kai.”
Though head judge Shirley Ballas' vote would not have counted because the other three had already secured a majority for Rippon, she too said she would send Thomas home.
Speaking to Tess Daly after the decision was announced, Thomas said: “Seven incredible weeks, what a journey it’s been. I honestly thought I was leaving in week two and the fact that I’ve got this far I’m so proud of myself, I’ve had an amazing time from start to finish. I came here to learn how to dance and I’ve learned so much more about myself.
The actor, who also runs a bar in Stockport added: "The confidence and self-belief I now have in myself, it’s out of this world I have to thank all these guys up here. What a bunch to be on this journey with, I’m just very, very lucky! I know my kids are at home now probably crying, it’s okay – Daddy's okay! I just wanted to teach my kids that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about taking part and doing your best. [To Luba] I just want to say thank you to this one and I’m sorry, I wanted to get us to Blackpool!”
His professional partner Luba Mushtuk also said: “Don’t be sorry, you are incredible, I had the best season. Just to get to know you, your family and kids, it’s been much more than just a dance show. You’re the winner of my heart forever and it’s better than a trophy."
What else happened on Strictly Come Dancing?
The show opened with its customary professional dance which this week was choreographed by Oti Mabuse, sister of judge Motsi.
The performance was a celebration of several African styles and additional African dancers joined the regular pros.
The musical performance came from Zara Larsson who gave a rendition of her recent dance-pop single On My Love that included some dance choreography that would likely have not gotten her very far on the show
Will we be back for more?
With Thomas becoming the sixth celebrity sent home, only eight dancers remain as we quickly head towards the final stages.
Week seven was particularly impressive for Ellie Leach, who along with professional partner Vito Coppola finished top of the leaderboard after scoring three tens and a nine.
It is the joint highest score of the series and marks the second week in a row where the Coronation Street actor has been the judge's favourite.
As Strictly heads into its second half, it remains to be seen if Leach pulls away from the pack.
Strictly Come Dancing next airs on BBC One on Saturday 11 November at 6:05pm.
