Tameka Empson voted off Strictly

9 October 2016

Tameka Empson has been voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Tameka Empson

The 'EastEnders' actress and her professional partner Gorka Marquez found themselves in the bottom two against Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice after failing to impress with their tango on Saturday (08.10.16) night, and following a dance-off, the judges opted to save the former 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! NOW' presenter.

Before saving Laura, Craig admitted it was a "nightmare" having to choose between the couples.

He said: "This is a nightmare, I don't feel like I've been in this position before, I can normally make a clear decision but both couples were extraordinary."

His sentiments were echoed by his fellow judges, who agreed they were surprised to see both couples in the dance-off.

Bruno Tonioli said: "These girls are fantastic, you both shouldn't be here. I think out of the two performances the stand-out one was from Laura and Giovanni."

Len Goodman added: "As my colleagues have said, they both came out and really went for the dance. In my opinion, neither should be in the dance off but it's the nature of the thing.

"I've got to go with the couple I felt did the more polished performance and that was Laura and Giovanni."

Only Darcey Bussell chose to save Tameka and Gorka.

She said: "I marked them both exactly in the main show and seeing them again tonight they've both made an improvement, incredibly difficult to make a choice but for me, because it was a stronger focus and intent performance, I'm going to save Tameka and Gorka."

The 39-year-old actress was "grateful" for her brief stint on the show, and also paid tribute to her dance partner.

She said: "It has been [brief]. I have enjoyed my time immensely, I really have. It's lovely to be a part of it, I'm grateful so thank you...

"Gorka is such a lovely person, I think he is a great asset to the show, you have shown me so much passion, patience, motivation and I love you, I think you are fantastic."

The show also included a performance from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.