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Strictly Come Dancing: Vick Hope eliminated from BBC competition as Seann Walsh wins dance-off

Seann Walsh managed to avoid leaving Strictly Come Dancing tonight (21 October) as Vick Hope became the fourth star to depart the series.

The comedian – who has been at the centre of a media storm ever since being pictured kissing professional hier partner Ktya Jones – faced the Capital FM DJ in the dance-off, managing to win by three votes to one from the judges.

Walsh and Jones once again attempted their quickstep to “Lightning Bolt” by Jake Bugg, a dance which initially scored them 24 points with the judges.

Hope and dance partner Graziano Di Prima performed their cha cha cha to “More Than Friends” by James Hype (featuring Kelli-Leigh), a dnace which was awarded just 20 points on Saturday night. Last week, they scored 29, placing them joint third on the leaderboard.

Following the dance-off, judge Craig Revel Horwood opted to save Hope and Di Prima, saying: “Both dances were very different but both couples I thought need technique as well, but the couple I thought, for me on the night, Vick and Graziano.”

Darcey Bussell chose to save Walsh and Jones, saying: “Both couples tonight did a much better performance, so that was wonderful to see, but the couple I’ll have to save, was a cleaner performance, and that was Seann and Katya.”

Guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro, best known for his role as Carlton in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and who was standing in for Bruno Tonioli, also chose to save Walsh and Jones.

“I thought everybody really stepped up their game this time around,” he said. ”The person that I felt stepped it up the most and eliminated more of the mistakes was Seann and Katya.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas was left with the casting vote, choosing to save Walsh and Jones. She said: “I thought both couples put their best foot forward this evening, but due to the performance I enjoyed the most I am going to save Seann and Kaya.”

Speaking about her time on the show, Hope said: “I’ve loved it. I’ve had the time of my life so I want to thank everyone for being the best possible people I could spend all this time with.

Hope thanked her “incredible team” on the series, saying: “Thank you for all of your guidance and the judging I appreciate it and of course, thank you Graz, you’ve been so patient with me and helped me so much, I’ve loved every last second of it so thank you.”

Di Prima added: “First of all I want to say thank you Vick because I know it’s been really tough and people know how hard you work all day plus eight hours with me and then sleep for three hours and then again every day.

“You did brilliantly and you are brilliant, thank you. You really make me proud day by day.”

The eleven remaining couples will return to the dance floor next Saturday for the Strictly Halloween special episode on BBC One at 6.50pm.