Yahoo News Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Who made the final five?
Angela Scanlon became the ninth celebrity sent home
What did you miss?
Angela Scanlon became the ninth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
After finishing bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night, Scanlon did not do enough to convince the viewing public that she didn't belong in the dreaded dance-off.
In the shock dance-off against Layton Williams, who was coming off back to back scores of 39, Scanlon once again performed a Cha Cha to Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive with partner Carlos Gu while Williams dance an American Smooth to It’s Oh So Quiet by Björk.
What, how, and why?
After both celebrities danced for a second time, it went to the judges vote with Williams securing a quick majority.
Craig Revel Horwood gave his verdict first, sending home Scanlon and said: “Technically for me personally, the better dance of the night, and the dance I actually enjoyed the most, was Layton and Nikita.”
Motsi Mabuse also chose to save Williams and explained her reasoning: “Well this was certainly a tough, tough dance off. I based my decision on musicality and balance and that is why I will be saving Nikita and Layton.”
Anton Du Beke thought the dance-off was a close affair but still chose to send home Scanlon: “Well I thought that was quite a tense dance off, I don’t think either couple danced as well as they can. It was the closest dance off we’ve had in the series so far. This is the only thing, I saw an error from one of the couples, so I’m going to vote to keep in to the quarter-finals, Layton and Nikita.”
Though her vote would not have have saved Scanlon, head judge Shirley Ballas actually disagreed with her colleagues: “Well important for me always when it comes to Ballroom and Latin is the character of the dance, that it’s true to the dance, timing and quality and I would have voted for Angela and Carlos.”
Asked after the verdict about her Strictly experience, Scanlon said: “It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience. I have made the best friend in this man [to Carlos].
"We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy. He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much. I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there! My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends!”
Carlos Gu also complimented the work Scanlon had put in over their ten weeks on the competition: “Her commitment and her strength every day, day by day – I’m a professional dancer and she works so hard, harder than me! Look at her now – I am so proud, her sense of humour and we had so much fun everyday – she cracks me up laughing!”
What else happened on Strictly?
The tenth week results show opened with a glamorous display from the professionals in a dance that appeared inspired by Hollywood glamour and murder mysteries in what was one of the best showcases of the series.
The music performance this week came from Scottish band Texas who performed one of their best known singles Inner Smile while accompanied by Vito Coppola and Luba Mushtuk.
Will we be back for more?
With just three weeks left, the competition between the remaining five couples is more intense than ever.
They will reconvene next week for a musicals special which will see the contestants slimmed down to four ahead of the semi-final.
Following Layton's down week, Ellie Leach now looks to be the top contender for the Strictly crown. Can the West End star get back to his best?
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 2nd December at 19:25, with the results show on Sunday 3rd December at 19:20 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
