Strictly Come Dancing RESULT: Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to leave the show after facing Adam Thomas in the dreaded dance off
Zara McDermott was the fifth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023 after Sunday’s dancing competition.
The former Love Island star, 26, faced the dreaded dancing competition against Adam Thomas as both celebrities tried to impress the judges one last time.
But Zara and her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima were forced to part ways after falling to the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance.
Zara achieved a disappointing 25 out of 30 points with her Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra.
First up in the dance-off were Adam and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk, who performed their American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, before Zara and Graziano performed for a second time.
Fifth out: Zara McDermott was the fifth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023 after Sunday’s dance-off
Farewell: The former Love Island star, 26, was faced with the dreaded dance against Adam Thomas as both celebrities tried to impress the judges one last time
After both couples danced for the second time, the judges delivered their verdict, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Adam and Luba.
Craig said: “For me, one couple did remarkably well and completed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.’
Motsi Mabuse also chose to save Adam and Luba, saying: ‘Well, I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit in both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both beautiful, I will save Adam and Luba’ .
Anton Du Beke also agreed, adding, “Well, it’s not much of a consolation now, but both couples danced really well and both couples put their best foot forward. But for me the best quality was the couple – and that couple is Adam and Luba.”
Three votes for Adam & Luba meant that they had won the majority of votes and would remain in the competition regardless, but head judge Shirley Ballas also said that she would have decided to save Adam and Luba.
Shirley said, “I agreed that I would have saved Adam and Luba.”
Zara burst into tears as she said: ‘I had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thanks to the judges and of course to my wonderful partner.
‘My fellow participants are just incredible. It was the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over, but in spirit I will be here every week to support them.”
Underperformed: Zara received a disappointing 25 out of 30 points with her Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra
Zara said: “My fellow contestants are just incredible. It was the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over, but I will be here in spirit every week to support them
Graziano was then asked if he had anything for his partner, he said: ‘She was great for me from 8am to 9pm. Never stop asking for a half-hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about.
‘A real novice, who comes in and does all the hard work. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you for finding a friend like you.
‘I’ve learned so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You’ve never danced before. I am so proud of you. Honestly, I’m so proud of you.”
Zara added: ‘He’s been through some tough times here and we’ll be friends forever’
The results show opened with a Wednesday Addams-inspired routine from our Strictly pros, and will feature a musical performance from music legend Rick Astley with his new single ‘Forever and More’.
Adam made a triumphant return to Strictly on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss the live show.
The Emmerdale actor’s appearance was in jeopardy as producers made last-minute ‘contingency arrangements’ in case he couldn’t do it.
But when they hit the dance floor, the pair achieved the highest score for this series’ dance style.
Adam, 35, was awarded 32 points by the judges, with Motsi Mabuse calling this his ‘best performance yet.’
A Strictly spokesperson told The Sun shortly before the show: “Adam is feeling much better and will be performing tonight.”
His wife Caroline and children had traveled from Manchester to the Strictly studios to watch him.
It comes after Adam was expected to appear alongside his dance partner Luba Mushtuk in It Takes Two on Friday.
Return: Adam made a triumphant return to Strictly on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss the live show
However, the professional dancer arrived solo and explained that Adam was absent for medical reasons.
Host Fleur East told viewers: “Unfortunately Adam is feeling a bit bad, but please call the beautiful Luba Mushtuk.”
Luba then told shocked viewers: “It’s so strange to be here alone. He is resting now. He just wasn’t feeling well, but he’s resting and getting ready for tomorrow night.”
The remaining nine couples will then take to the dancefloor when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, November 4 at 7:05 PM, with the results on Sunday, November 5 at 7:20 PM on BBC One.
COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a Strictly fan since day one and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, as I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and perhaps the opportunity to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely exciting to confirm that I will be taking part in Britain’s most iconic dancing competition! It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I’m so excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused that I’m joining Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start dancing, but I’m a little worried about my general decline.”
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio host
Eddy says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to who I am. I’m so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise I’ll give you everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says:I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. I’ve never danced, apart from drunkenly jiving at a wedding!’
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my grandma and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life, but I like to learn and laugh with my professional. Take me to the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to do Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can’t wait to start training as a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I look forward to performing for everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…gulp!’
Age: 57
Profession: Announcer and ex-tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I’ve always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and I’m looking forward to finding some joy in the process.’