Strictly star Tom Dean puts on a brave face as he snaps a final selfie with his fellow celebrity dancers after becoming the FIRST contestant to be eliminated in shock exit

Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Dean took a final selfie with his fellow celebrity dancers this weekend after becoming the first contestant to be removed from the show.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Tom, 24, and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova, 35, exited the competition after a thrilling dance competition against Toyah Willcox and professional Neil Jones.

And the athlete put on a brave face as she joined the cast for one last hurray after his departure in week two.

During Sunday’s results show, both couples performed their routines again; Tom and Nadiya took their Cha Cha to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire, after which Toyah and Neil performed their Jive to Nutbush City Limits by Ike & Tina Turner.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Tom, 24, and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova, 35, left the competition after a thrilling dance competition against Toyah Willcox and professional Neil Jones

After both couples danced for the second time, the judges delivered their verdict when Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Toyah and Neil.

Subsequently, Motsi Mabuse chose to save Toyah and Neil, while Anton Du Beke chose to save Tom and Nadiya.

With two votes for Toyah and Neil, and one vote for Tom and Nadiya, head judge Shirley Ballas had the deciding vote and chose to save Toyah and Neil.

When asked by host Tess Daly about his time on the show, Tom said: “I’ve had a great time over the last few weeks and it’s been incredible to work with Nadiya.

“I wish I could have gone further and done more dancing.

‘I had the most fun and I wish we could go on longer and longer. I’m sure we’ll be having a lot of brunch again.’

Tom’s professional dance partner Nadiya added: ‘To get to know him, not only is he a three-time Olympic champion, he’s a true gentleman and he’s taught me how to work really hard and put everything into it.

‘And you know what? Sometimes in this program you don’t have to win to win, and that’s how I feel about it this year.”

Going into X, fans struggled to understand the decision calling it ‘bizarre’ and claiming the Olympic legend was ‘robbed’.

Tom and Nadiyah were comforted by host Tess Daly after their shock exit during Sunday night’s results show

Both pairs performed their routines again; Tom and Nadiya took their Cha Cha to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire, after which Toyah and Neil performed their Jive to Nutbush City Limits by Ike & Tina Turner

With two votes for Toyah and Neil, and one vote for Tom and Nadiya, head judge Shirley Ballas had the deciding vote and chose to save Toyah and Neil.

When host Tess Daly asked about his time on the show, Tom said: “I’ve had the best time over the last few weeks and it’s been incredible to work with Nadiya.”