Strictly fans left divided as Eddie Kadi is eliminated over Zara McDermott despite him scoring a 10 just two weeks ago – as she admits ‘nerves got the better of her’

Strictly speaking, fans are divided after Eddie Kadi was eliminated over Zara McDermott after the dance-off on Sunday night’s results show.

The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced off in the bottom two with Love Islander, 26, but were sent home by the judges.

However, some watching at home have questioned the decision on social media – especially since just two weeks ago he was given a 10 by Shirley for their Movie Week Men In Black routine.

It came as Zara reflected on being back in the bottom two when she said on Instagram that her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine.

Commenting on the result on

Sad: The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced off in the bottom two with Love Islander, 26, but were sent home by the judges

Another said: ‘It’s so sad to see them go. Eddie and Karen had something special and I agree that Eddie’s natural groove might get in his way, but he can move.”

A third posted: ‘Strongly disagree with that outcome tonight.’

A fourth said: “Eddie and Karen should have stayed inside. Strictly speaking, I’m not a judge, but they fit together so well and have so much more rhythm…’

The elimination came just two weeks after the pair scored a 10 from Shirley Ballas for their Movie Week Men In Black routine.

Zara then took to her social media to express how she was feeling after a tough few weeks.

She wrote: ‘Entering the dance competition for the second time certainly wasn’t the easiest moment of our Strictly journey so far.

“I think I let those nerves get the better of us during our performance, and I knew I could have done better. I definitely felt like I was letting myself down when I walked off the dance floor because I knew I could have pushed through those jelly legs a little more, both physically and mentally!

‘But… the most important thing is that we are so grateful to the judges for saving us. I’m just not ready for this journey to be over, and the thought of leaving last night broke my heart.

Opinions: However, some watching at home have questioned the decision on social media – especially since he was given a 10 by Shirley for their Movie Week Men In Black routine two weeks ago

Tough: It came as Zara reflected on being in the bottom two again as she took to Instagram to say her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine

Farewell: Eddie and his dance partner Karen had to say goodbye after falling to the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance

“I promised myself and Graz that this week I’m going to work on keeping those nerves in check, and not letting them get in the way of me doing my best!”

Eddie and his dance partner Karen had to say goodbye after falling to the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance.

Eddie scored a disappointing 24 out of 40 with his Samba to Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez.

Eddie and Karen who performed first in the dance off were seen dancing the Samba again, before Zara and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima performed their American Smooth to Can’t Fight The Moonlight by LeAnn Rimes.

After both couples gave their best to win a place in next week’s competition, the judges gave their verdict.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were all in favor of Zara and Graziano, meaning the majority of votes saw them through another week.

Fourth judge Shirley Ballas also revealed that Zara and Graziano had her vote.

Craig said: ‘For me the quality of dancing in this couple was much better and the couple I would like to save is Zara and Graziano.’

Meanwhile, Motsi said: “For me it was extremely close. The quality was actually very, very close. It came down to the details and I would love to save Zara and Graziano.”

Anton said, ‘Well, I thought that was a great dance party. I thought both couples danced very well, but for me with a slightly cleaner technique I would like to save Zara and Graziano.”

Speaking about his time on the show, Eddie said: ‘I really enjoyed this, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do – I love dancing.

‘This has been the highest moment of my career – it’s the happiest moment I’ve ever been, but not just for me – my family – my little girl is at home doing the Men in Black dance.

“More importantly, this little African boy, I just wanted my culture to shine. Everything I stand for, when it comes to my comedy, when it comes to my presentations, is based on my culture, is based on my upbringing and I wanted that to shine most of all.

‘More importantly, this amazing queen (to Karen), there are two parts to this show – we want to entertain, I believe God brought this to me, I just want to make people happy and this gem right here has kept me happy – I love you so much. God bless you.’

Karen gushed: ‘You’re a sweetheart, I’m going to miss you (to Eddie) – well, I’ll see you tomorrow!

Fourth out: After both couples tried their best to win a place for next week’s competition, the judges gave their verdict

‘We are going to practice Congolese dance. I want to thank you so much for being so positive and bringing so much light and smiles, just a beauty to all of us, I want to thank you so much.”

Sunday’s Results show also saw professional dancers take viewers back in time with a fantastic Fosse-inspired 1960s number and a special Planet Earth III themed performance of Pompeii from Bastille in the ballroom.

The remaining couples will hit the dance floor next week for a spooky Halloween special on Saturday, October 28 at 6:40 p.m.

The results show returns on Sunday October 29 at 7.20pm on BBC One.

Eddie and Karen will join Fleur East for their first exclusive television interview live on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday October 23 at 6.30pm on BBC Two.

COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: WHO ARE 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 filmmaker 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.’