Paul Merson is eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing: Former footballer becomes the fourth star to leave the show with his pro partner Karen Hauer

Paul Merson became the fourth celebrity to leave the dancefloor on Strictly Come Dancing 2024 during Sunday night’s results show.

The former footballer, 56, and his professional partner Karen Hauer left the competition after a dance competition against JB Gill and Amy Dowden on the series’ fourth results show.

Both couples performed their routines again – Paul and his partner Karen, 42, performed their Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce.

Then JB and his partner Amy, 34, performed their Jive to Hey Ya! from Outkast.

After both couples danced for the second time, the judges delivered their verdict when Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke opted to save JB and Amy.

The former footballer, 56, and his professional partner Karen Hauer left the competition after a dance competition against JB Gill and Amy Dowden during the series’ fourth results show

With three votes for JB and Amy, they won the majority of votes, meaning Paul and Karen would leave the competition.

Head judge Shirley Ballas also agreed, saying she would have decided to save JB and Amy.

When host Tess Daly asked about their time on the show, Paul said: ‘It was really good. For everyone I talk to, I would say you should go see this show. It’s amazing – everyone.

‘There’s a Tottenham fan there called Lincoln, and even he’s nice!

“It was great, honestly, great. I loved every minute, I had a great teacher.

“She was amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t ask for a better coach. I enjoyed every minute.

‘I can dance now – I won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and I can half dance now. It’s a bonus, an absolute bonus.’

Karen then sweetly added, “Absolutely, you were a joy. I’ve never giggled so much. My abs are really tight now. I’m so proud of you. Every week you showed up, you improved.

“You are what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing so much joy and showing everyone that it’s possible with a little work and a lot of giggles.”

Both couples performed their routines again – Paul and his partner Karen, 42, performed their Samba to Rose Royce’s Car Wash

After both couples danced for the second time, the judges delivered their verdict when Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke opted to save JB and Amy.

With three votes for JB and Amy, they won the majority of votes, meaning Paul and Karen would leave the competition

When host Tess Daly asked about their time on the show, Paul said: ‘It was really good. For everyone I talk to, I would say you should go see this show. It’s great – everyone’

Karen then sweetly added, “Absolutely, you were a joy. I’ve never giggled so much. My abs are really tight now. I’m so proud of you. Every week you showed up you improved.”

Sunday’s results show also featured a routine from the professional dancers, with Nancy Xu and Dianne Buswell taking center stage in a passionate Paso Doble.

The song, choreographed by Oti Mabuse, was set in a cantina in the heat of a barren highway somewhere in the southern states, set to Santa Esmeralda’s Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.

In addition, there was a musical performance by Sophie Ellis-Bextor who sang her new single Freedom Of The Night.

The remaining 11 couples will take to the dance floor next week for the Halloween Special.

It comes after fans were ‘furious’ during Saturday night’s show at the judges’ score for Wynne Evans and Katya Jones’ performance.

The Welsh opera star, 52, and professional dancer, 35, took to the Strictly floor again on Saturday for a quickstep of slapstick comedy.

The routine earned the duo an impressive 33 out of 40, with Motsi and Shirley giving them nines.

However, fans were not impressed with the score, claiming that Wynne and Katya were too high.

The appearance came as the pair tried to shake off the viral moment in which Katya moved Wynne’s hand from her waist and cut off his attempt at a high-five with her..

After their final appearance on X, formerly Twitter, fans criticized the judges for giving Wynne and Katya two A’s.

They wrote: ‘How did Wynne get NINE to be a mid-routine at best?’; ‘I actually can’t believe Wynne got a 9! it was absolutely terrible’;

‘Jesus a 9 for Wynne, someone in the Beeb takes care of his own children, that was 2 from me,’;

‘Wynne and Katya were completely overrated. I know the judges want to save him, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay out of the bottom two’;

‘…to give Wynne and Kataya two A’s for the worst dance tonight shows how set in stone it is. Are you trying to change the public’s opinion? ….it’s not going to work’;

‘How exaggerated do you have to be to give Wynne & Katya a 9 – ridiculous.. And all because of the bad behavior of the past week that you don’t want anyone to believe…,’;

In addition, there was a musical performance by Sophie Ellis-Bextor who sang her new single Freedom Of The Night

The pop star looked stunning in a leggy gold ruffled dress as she brought the hit to the crowd

Strictly returns on Saturday October 26 at 6.25pm ​​with results shown on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer

‘Disappointed with Wynne on #Strictly tonight! Am I the only one who saw him stumble at some point? And he still scores a 9! How???’;

Ahead of their performance, the duo attempted to repair their image amid the week of backlash.

But viewers were left with a sour taste in their mouths from the couple’s VT, who overly called it “wholesome” and “fun” in an attempt to put rumors of their feud to bed.

The clip saw the pair beaming as they climbed a mountain in Wales before Wynne piggybacked Katya.

For their Quickstep they scored a respectable 33 out of 40.

Strictly returns on Saturday October 26 at 6.25pm ​​with results shown on Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Both episodes from this weekend are now available to watch via BBC iPlayer.