Tom Dean exits Strictly Come Dancing becoming the first celebrity to leave the 2024 show
Olympic champion Tom Dean has been confirmed as the first celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The swimmer, who studied in Bath and trains in the city, ended up in the dance-off against the established singer and performer Toyah Willcox, who is 66 years of age.
Decked out in sequins and tassels, Dean reiterated his exuberant cha cha with partner Nadiya Bychkova to the tune of Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland'. This dance kicked off Saturday night's show, earning him a score of 20, which combined with the previous week's tally of 23 from his tango to Harry Styles Golden', brought his overall total to 43.
Toyah Willcox, in contrast, with Neil Jones by her side, delivered a spirited jive to 'Nutbush City Limits' by Ike & Tina Turner for a second showing. Their routine notched up 18 points but they lingered at the bottom of the rankings, with their two-week sum at 30 points following last weeks score of 12.
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Following the second performances from both duos, it was time for the judges to decide. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse voted to keep Willcox and Jones in the competition, while Anton Du Beke threw his support behind Dean and Bychkova.
It came down to head judge Shirley Ballas to make the deciding vote, and she sided with saving Willcox and Jones. Reflecting on his short-lived journey, Dean expressed his thoughts: "I've had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible.
"I wish I could have gone further and done more dances. I've had the most fun and I wish we could keep going longer and longer. We'll still go out for loads of brunches I'm sure."
His dance partner Bychkova praised Dean, not only for his Olympic achievements but also for his character. "He taught me how to work really hard and how to put everything in. And you know what? On this programme, sometimes to win, you don't need to win, and that's how I feel this year," she said.
The series' first results show was a spectacle, featuring the professional dancers and judges delivering an "avant-garde gothic tango" to the tunes of Prince's When Doves Cry and New Order's Blue Monday. Additionally, jazz ensemble Ezra Collective graced the stage with their performance of God Gave Me Feet For Dancing, accompanied by Yazmin Lacey.
The competition heats up as the remaining 14 couples are set to dazzle during the movie week special on Saturday, October 5 at 6.25pm, followed by the results show on Sunday, October 6 at 7.15pm on BBC One.