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 alongside his professional partner Lauren Oakley after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Krishnan faced TV presenter Angela Rippon in the exciting dance-off as both stars tried one last time to impress the judges.
First up was Krishnan, who once again performed his number 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 took the floor for the second time, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke decided to save Angela.
Exit: Krishnan Guru-Murthy (centre) became the seventh celebrity to bow out of 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 (right, with partner Kai Widdrington) in the exciting dance-off as both stars tried one last time to impress the judges
Although three votes for Angela and Kai meant they had won the majority and would still remain in the competition, head judge Shirley Ballas said she chose to save Krishnan and Lauren.
Craig said, “Well Krishnan, you really stepped up your game in that dance-off, it was great.” Angela, you almost lost your support leg in that kick, darling, but you miraculously saved it.
“But the couple I want to save and bring 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’ve never been so undecided about my decision, I went back and forth, back and forth, in the end I decided on the basics and the technical level, so I’m going to save Angela and .’Kai.’
Anton Du Beke decided to save Angela and Kai as well, explaining: “I also thought both couples danced very well – it was a great dance, if there is such a thing.”
“But just because of the cleaner technique and more recognizable fundamentals, I’ll pick up Angela and Kai.”
Although her vote wasn’t counted, Shirley Ballas said, “Well, I picked the person who I thought was more grounded on their feet and had no technical errors and I would have saved Krishnan & Lauren.”
Speaking about his time on the show, Krishnan gushed, “Look, it was the most incredible experience.”
Dance: First up was Krishnan who once again performed his number to “Bamboléo” by Gipsy Kings
Adorable: Krishnan’s time on the show has earned him thousands of young fans on social media who hail him as a ‘legend’ and a ‘hero’.
Hard work: Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington then performed their Paso Doble to Hung Up by Madonna for the second time
Excepted: Krishnan (center) and Lauren (L) couldn’t hide their disappointment when they found out they were leaving the show
Sad to leave: Speaking about his time on the show, Krishnan gushed: “I said it changed my life, and it really did.” I’m grateful to the entire production team, the judges and my incredible Strictly family up there incredibly grateful.
“I said it changed my life and it really did. “I’m incredibly grateful to the entire production team, the judges and my incredible Strictly family up there.
“It’s right that I’m going out this week and need to get back to life.” What has made Strictly so special is Lauren.
She is an incredible teacher, partner and friend. She’s the real Strictly star and I’m delighted to be the first partnership you’ve had.
She will go a long way and I am 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 it on Saturday November 18th at 6.40pm, results will be shown on Sunday November 19th at 7.20pm on BBC One.
Strictly 2023: Week 8 Leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Argentinian Tango to Tattoo by Loreen – 39 out of 40 points
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – Rumba to True Colors by Cyndi LauperWilliams – 35 out of 40 points
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Couples Choice to Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars – 34 out of 40 points
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Waltz to With You I’m Born Again by Billy Preston and Syreeta – 33 out of 40 points
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – American Smooth to Ghost of You by 5 Seconds of Summer -32 out of 40 points
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Pasa Doble to Hung Up by Madonna – 32 out of 40 points
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Samba to Whenever, Whereber by Shakila – 31 out of 40 points
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings Al – 25 out of 40 points