Strictly Come Dancing's Jamie Borthwick had 'toughest week' before controversial BBC exit

Michelle Tsiakkas, the pro partner of Strictly Come Dancing star Jamie Borthwick, has spoken out to reveal that he had 'the toughest week' before his exit from the show caused controversy on Sunday night.

Champion of last year's Strictly Christmas special, Jamie was talked up as a potential winner in the new series, especially after his impressive paso doble and Addams Family themed American Smooth. However, having been rated as fourth favourite to win just a few days ago, Jamie is now out of the running, after ending up in the dance-off for the first time this weekend, before then being voted out as all four judges voted to keep Montell and Johannes in.

Very dignified in defeat, Jamie, who plays Jay Brown in BBC soap EastEnders, said getting to be on Strictly was "magic," before adding that he had the 'upmost respect' for everyone involved in it. Hours after his exit had been confirmed, Jamie hadn't posted on social media, but Strictly 2024 newcomer Michelle did, as she wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram.

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And it was in the Insta post that she opened up about just how hard things had been for her and Jamie in the run up to Saturday's live show, writing: "Be proud…because we worked hard and really made the most of the time we had with you working 2 full on jobs at the same time. This past week was your toughest yet with work, we realistically had 2 days to put it all together , and look what we achieved , a beautiful foxtrot which we both enjoyed dancing so much "

Michelle's post came as many viewers fumed at this week's Strictly result, with some arguing that Jamie had been 'stitched up' and should never have been eliminated.