Krishnan Guru-Murthy became the seventh celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 after Sunday’s dreaded dance-off.
The newsreader, who danced a Samba on Saturday, left the show with professional partner Lauren Oakley after finishing bottom of the leaderboard.
Krishnan faced off against TV presenter Angela Rippon in the tense dance as both stars tried to impress the judges one last time.
First up was Krishnan who again performed his routine to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings, before Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington performed their Paso Doble to Hung Up by Madonna.
After both couples spoke for the second time, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Angela.
Exit: Krishnan Guru-Murthy (C) was the seventh celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 after Sunday’s dreaded dance-off – pictured with partner Lauren Oakley (R) and presenter Tess Daly (L)
Bottom two: Krishnan faced TV presenter Angela Rippon (R, with partner Kai Widdrington) in the tense dance as both stars tried to impress the judges one last time
Even though three votes for Angela and Kai meant they had won the majority of votes and would remain in the competition anyway, head judge Shirley Ballas said she would have decided to save Krishnan and Lauren.
Craig said: ‘Well Krishnan, you really upped your game during that dance, it was beautiful. Angela, you almost lost your supporting leg, darling, on the stairs, but you miraculously made it.
“But the couple I’d like to rescue and send on to Blackpool are Angela and Kai.”
While Motsi, who also saved Angela and Kai, admitted she struggled with her decision. she said: ‘To be honest I have never been so indecisive in my decision, I have gone back and forth, back and forth, finally I decided for the basic and technical level, so I will save Angela and Kai.’
Anton Du Beke also decided to save Angela and Kai, explaining: ‘Well, I also thought that both couples danced very well – it was a super dance, if there is such a thing.
“But just because of the cleaner technology and the more recognizable basic principles, I’m going to save Angela and Kai.”
Despite her vote not being counted, Shirley Ballas said, “Well, I picked the person who I thought was more on my feet, without any technical errors, and I would have saved Krishnan and Lauren.”
About his time on the show, Krishnan said, “Look, this was the most incredible experience.
Dance: First up was Krishnan, who again performed his routine to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings
Sweet: Krishnan’s time on the show has earned him thousands of young fans on social media who call him a ‘legend’ and a ‘hero’
Hard work: Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington then performed their Paso Doble for the second time to Hung Up by Madonna
Gutted: Krishnan (C) and Lauren (L) couldn’t hide their disappointment when they found out they were leaving the show
Sad to go: Speaking about his time on the show, Krishnan said, “I said it has been life-changing and it really has. I’m incredibly grateful to the whole production team, the judges and my incredible Strictly family there.”
“I said it’s been life-changing, and it really has been. I’m incredibly grateful to the whole production team, the judges and my incredible Strictly family there.
‘It’s true that I’m going out this week and I have to get back to life. What really made Strictly special is Lauren.
She is an incredible teacher, partner and friend. She’s the real Strictly star and I’m so happy to be the first collaboration you’ve had.
She’s going to come a long way and I’m very proud of her.”
The remaining seven couples will take to the dance floor next week when the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special returns to the Tower Ballroom.
Watch on Saturday 18 November at 6.40pm, with the results on Sunday 19 November at 7.20pm on BBC One.