Richie Anderson and his professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice – who previously won last year’s series – have become the second couple to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.
On Saturday night, the 34-year-old TV and radio personality opened Movie Week on the BBC One dance competition with a playful Samba routine from the Lion King.
The pair danced their hearts out to Hakuna Matata dressed as the loveable duo Timon and Pumbaa from the beloved 1994 Disney film, but their performance failed to impress the judges.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman under fire over unusual outfit choice
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
And it appears as though the dancing duo failed to wow viewers at home as well after they found themselves in the dreaded dance off against X Factor star Fleur East and her partner Vito Coppola.
The songstress channelled her inner princess as she performed a seamless American Smooth to the iconic ballad from The Little Mermaid.
After watching the celebrities take to the stage for the second time, the judges shared their criticisms before they cast their final votes.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Commenting on Fleur’s hard work, Craig noted: “I would like to save the most accomplished technician, and that is Fleur and Vito.”
Motsi Mabuse added: “I think it’s heartbreaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here, but this is how the public voted and based on this dance-off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito.”
Anton du Beke also opted to save the DJ, as he shared his feedback: “Well I thought that was a well danced dance-off.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
He added: “I thought both couples performed well, I thought one couple was a bit more sure-footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry about what they were doing, so the couple I would like to save is Fleur and Vito.”
After receiving three votes, Fleur’s beautiful performance was enough to narrowly avoided elimination, however Shirley said she would have chosen to save Anderson.
Commenting on his short-lived, Anderson told host Tess Daly: “As a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“And being here it really is and it’s not just the people that you see on camera, the judges and you and Claud and the people that I’ve got to meet on this show.
He added: “The people behind the scenes in hair, make-up, costume, Tasha our runner, Stef, Jas, everybody. I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and I feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day.
“Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all of my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience – I love you so much.”
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Pro dancer Giovanni chimed in with: “I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a superfan.
“I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you. It’s been a shame it’s been too short for us, but I hope you’ve enjoyed every single second of it and it stays in your heart forever.
“Look at us, we’ve gone out dressed as Timon and Pumbaa. So lovely jubbly, well done Richie.”
(Image: PA)
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Fans soon flooded to Twitter to share their heartache for Richie after his Strictly journey was cut short.
One user penned: “Oh @richie_anderson my darling. You danced your bloody heart out and made us all so proud! We love you! WM massive forever x.”
Another agreed: “@bbcstrictly, @richie_anderson and @pernicegiovann1 The rest of the series won’t be as entertaining without you [crying emoji] #Strictly.”
A third fumed: “‘M SO SAD I loved Richie and Giovannu so much [crying emoji, heartbroken emoji] #Strictly.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
