Tom Fletcher has become the eighth contestant to be eliminated from 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden eliminated from Strictly
The McFly frontman was in the dreaded dance-off with 'CBBC' star Rhys Stephenson, but three out of the four judges - including Hollywood Star Cynthia Erivo who stepped in to replace Craig Revel Horwood this weekend, while he isolates with COVID-19 - chose to save the latter after he and his dance partner Nancy Xu performed their Jive to 'Footloose' again.
Unfortunately, Tom and Amy Dowden were the ones to leave the competition after giving their final dance, a Couples Choice to 'On My Own' from 'Les Misérables' , although head judge Shirley Ballas admitted she would have voted to save them if she had the deciding vote.
Cynthia said: “This was really tough, I think both couples did such a beautiful job, but there was just an edge in this couple’s dance. I really enjoyed it, thank you both for doing what you did, but Rhys and Nancy I choose you.”
Motsi Mabuse agreed: “Well I think this was so tough, I mean the toughest I have seen since I’ve been here. But there was a clear fighter. I did feel that Rhys and Nancy just put on another extra level so I’m going to save Rhys and Nancy.”
Anton du Beke said: “I agree with the other judges, it was an outstanding dance-off. On Saturday night Rhys made a slight mistake and Tom didn’t really fulfil his potential in the dance. Tonight, both couples danced exquisitely but just a very slight edge goes to Rhys and Nancy.”
On who she would have saved, Shirley said: "No I would have saved Tom and Amy.”
When asked by co-host Tess Daly about their time on the show, Tom said: “Honestly I’ve had the best time, I’ve loved every second of it.
"I’ve made the best friend in Amy, you’ve been amazing thank you so much for teaching me how to dance, I know it was a struggle at times.
"It’s an amazing show, everyone that works on it, all of you guys have been amazing, I’ve loved getting to know you.
"Thank you so much, it’s been the best experience and I don’t regret a single minute of it, so thank you, everyone, so much. I’m gutted to leave.”
The 36-year-old musician admitted he hopes he's made his and wife Giovanna's three sons - Buzz, seven, Buddy, five, and Max, two - proud.
He said: “I hope they are proud. They’ve loved learning to dance. That’s the thing, Amy hasn’t just taught me, she’s taught my kids.”
His dance partner said she has become an honourary member of the Fletcher family as she hailed the 'Obviously' hitmaker "so humble, genuine and talented".
She said: “I really wasn’t ready for this. I’ve loved every single second from the bottom of my heart. Who gets to say they got to go on tour with McFly?! Tom has given his all, and he is so humble, so genuine, so talented. The whole Fletcher family, they welcomed me in with opened arms and honestly I couldn’t have wished for a better time. These memories are going to live with me for the rest of my life, and I’m telling you this now, the Fletchers are not getting rid of Amy.”
Tom replied: “Amy you’ve made it so amazing, so much fun. I thought I’d enjoy it but I didn’t think I’d enjoy it this much. This was the week I wanted to get to so I’m so glad that I got here. I’m so proud of the journey. So, thank you so much Amy.”
The remaining couples will take to the dancefloor when 'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on Saturday 27th November at 6.55pm, with the results show on Sunday 28th November at 7:20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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