Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev
Rachel Riley became the fifth contestant to be voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing' tonight (03.11.13).
The 'Countdown' presenter was forced to leave the celebrity dancing competition after landing in the bottom two and losing a dance-off against 'This Morning' contributor Abbey Clancy, 27.
The judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, unanimously opted to save former model Abbey, who was previously tipped to win this year's series, even though Rachel and her professional partner Pasha Kovalev impressed them with their American Smooth to 'Put A Spell On You' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
After being told the result, an emotional Rachel insisted she had a great time on the show and was happy to have improved her dancing skills.
She said: "I haven't cried until now, I have made some amazing friends.
"I really enjoyed tonight, I really enjoyed yesterday's dance so I'm really pleased to go out on a high."
The 27-year-old maths genius added: "Abbey is just gorgeous, a gorgeous dancer, a gorgeous girl and I have no shame in getting knocked out to her."
A tearful Abbey, who is married to Stoke City footballer Peter Crouch, was thrilled to be saved and said: "It's just made me realise how much I don't want to leave."
Tagged in Peter Crouch Abbey Clancy Rachel Riley