Strictly's first dance off of 2022 pits pro couple against each other - but who went home?
Strictly Come Dancing has sent Kaye Adams home as the first celebrity evicted from the ballroom this series after a dance off that pitted a pro couple against each other.
The Loose Women star and journalist was in the first dance off of 2022 against Bros singer Matt Goss, meaning that their dance partners Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova - who began dating earlier this year - were forced to battle it out over who would leave first.
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Widdrington, who made the final in 2021 with AJ Odudu but had to drop out at the last minute when Odudu was injured, lost out to his girlfriend and her Strictly partner Goss when three of the four judges opted to send Adams home.
Shirley Ballas said that she would have opted to save Adams and Widdrington in the dance off, but as Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all chose to keep Goss and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, the head judge was overruled.
Scores from the second live show were added to the week one points and combined with public votes to find the bottom two couples - with Adams dancing her Charleston again and Goss returning to the Samba.
But Du Beke pointed out that neither dance had been brilliant, saying: “Well it wasn’t a vintage dance off, and I know exactly how they feel and I’ve been in that position many times myself and I think if you had the chance you would like to go again, both of you.
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"There were a lot of mistakes for both couples, I felt that one couple lost performance as well, and because of that I would like to save Matt and Nadiya.”
Adams told host Tess Daly: “It was the right result and I did make mistakes, and when it comes to that high pressured situation that’s what happens. So I am delighted for Matt and Nadiya, the only person I am just sorry for is this wonderful man [Kai], who has just been so brilliant.
"It was a hell of a lot of fun, I said my ambition was to learn to love to dance, and actually I have seen a whole new side to myself, it’s opened a little door. It’s been a wonderful experience and to spend time with such talented people who love the show so much has been a joy.”
Widdrington added: “Well, you know, only we know how much real hard work has gone into this. There has been lots of ups and downs and we won’t go into them, but this lady is a trooper, and I know what she’s been going through in the week.
"For this woman to come out and give the performance that she did tonight really shows the testament to her character. I am proud of you, I know that your girls and your other half are proud of you, but the most important thing is that you should be proud of yourself, because you are a superstar.”
The episode also saw Robbie Williams perform 'She's The One' as a guest in the ballroom.
Strictly Come Dancing returns next weekend on Saturday and Sunday on BBC One.
Watch: Who is Strictly's Kaye Adams?