Adam Thomas has broken his silence following his controversial exit from Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
The Waterloo Road actor, 35, and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk found themselves bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday with their American Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott, with 27 points out of 40.
And on Sunday’s episode, he became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from the show after losing to Angela and Kai in the dance-off.
But despite Anton calling the dance-off the ‘closest’ yet in this series, all four judges ultimately opted to save Angela and Kai – a decision that has proven controversial.
Fans were left furious that the ‘wrong person’ went home after the terrifying confrontation between the two couples.
Speaking out: Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas has broken his silence following his Strictly Come Dancing axe
Results: Adam Thomas was the sixth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 on Sunday
Speaking on spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday, Adam broke his silence following the show’s surprise ax and admitted he “knew he was going to be in trouble.”
He said, ‘Ah, I mean, the Rumba was definitely one of those dances I wanted to do – probably not the best dance to do at a dance-off!
‘But you know what, I enjoyed it. I thought we did a fantastic job. Really good job.
“So with that said, we can leave with our heads held high. ‘
Hostess Fleur East further asked him about the dance off: ‘Was it tough?’
“I mean,” Adam laughed, “I knew if we went against Angela we’d be in trouble. She is amazing!
“But look, if anyone was going to send us home, I’m glad it was Angela. She’s amazing and I mean she was just so elegant. But yes, I am very happy for her.’
After the decision to send Adam home, not everyone agreed.
Friends: Adam and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk spoke to Fleur East on Monday about the It Takes Two decision
Saturday: Adam and his professional partner Luba performed during Calum Scott’s rendition of Dancing on My Own
One fan told X, formerly of Twitter: ‘Did you just notice the dance from this week’s #Strictly and it was clearly the wrong decision?’
Another said: ‘Sorry, wrong decision. Adam had a lot of potential to keep getting better, his scores have been constantly rising.
“Angela is great, especially considering her age, but she has a lot of experience and realistically she won’t get any better than she is now. #strict.’
When Tess asked him about his time on Strictly, an emotional Adam praised his ‘incredible’ time on the show and revealed he had signed up for his children.
He said: ‘Seven incredible weeks, what a journey it has been.
“I honestly thought I was going to leave in week two and the fact that I’ve made it this far, I’m so proud of myself, I had a great time from start to finish.
‘I came here to learn to dance and I learned so much more about myself. The confidence and self-belief I have in myself now, it’s out of this world that I have to thank all these guys here.”
He continued, “What a bunch to be on this journey with, I’m just really lucky! I know my kids are home right now, probably crying, it’s okay – daddy’s okay!
Farewell: Adam and Luba shared a hug after being defeated in a thrilling dance competition
Close: Despite judge Anton Du Beke calling the dance the ‘closest’ yet, the judges ultimately chose to save Kai and Angela
Sad: Adam was bottom of the leaderboard and barely avoided going to Blackpool
How to get there: Adam says he’s discovered a growing inner confidence during his Strictly journey and is now genuinely proud of his progress
“I just wanted to teach my kids that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about participating and doing your best. (To Luba) I just wanted to thank you for this and I’m sorry, I wanted to take us to Blackpool!’
Luba replied: ‘Don’t have any regrets, you are incredible, I had the best season.
‘To get to know you, your family and children: it is much more than just a dance show. You are the winner of my heart forever and that is better than a trophy.”
It comes after Adam admitted he was plagued with self-doubt as he overcame his debilitating illness to perform on the show.
To talk with The sunthe Waterloo Road actor, 35, told how the workload has been incredibly challenging as it leaves him very little time for his family.
Adam, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis earlier this year, admitted to some health problems due to his joint condition, as well as a recent flu outbreak that forced him to miss training.
He said: “There have been an emotional few days because it is so strenuous with the workload. Some days are harder than others, but it’s all worth it.’
Despite the hardships, the Waterloo Road actor said he realizes his stint on the show is only temporary, so he’s trying to make the best of it.
Adam, who married 32-year-old Caroline Daly in 2017, went on to describe his wife as ‘incredible’.
In a candid tribute, he said he appreciates her continued support in managing their family and household responsibilities while he is engrossed in rehearsals.
Speaking about the blonde beauty of 15 years, Adam highlighted her dedication to their two children, Teddy, nine, and Elsie, five, especially when it came to handling school runs and household chores.
In the candid chat, Adam admitted that coming from a family of TV personalities, including his brother Ryan and twin brother Scott, he sometimes struggled with self-doubt.
Struggling: Strictly Come Dancing star Adam Thomas has admitted he is plagued by self-doubt as he overcame his debilitating illness to perform on the show
Grateful: In a candid tribute, he described his wife Caroline as ‘incredible’ and highlighted her devotion to their two children, Teddy, nine, and Elsie, five, while he was on the show
However, he has discovered a growing inner confidence during his Strictly journey and is now genuinely proud of his progress on the show and has learned to believe in himself more.
He said: ‘It turns out I’m good enough and need to believe in myself a little more.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve done on the show so far.”
Adam’s heartbreaking Rumba on Saturday night left his wife Caroline in tears.
Claudia Winkleman said: ‘I know this song means so much to you, your wife was in tears’ to which Adam exclaimed: ‘Yes, that was our wedding song. It was extra special, it really was.’
The results show opened with a beautiful routine choreographed by Strictly alumni, Oti Mabuse, and a performance by Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson singing ‘On My Love’ in the ballroom.
The remaining eight couples will then take to the dancefloor when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, November 11 at 6.05pm, with the results on Sunday, November 12 at 7.20pm on BBC One.