Who left Strictly last night? James Cracknell 'humiliated' after he becomes first celeb to get eliminated

STRICTLY Come Dancing's results show featured a flamenco-inspired routine set on the rooftops of Barcelona and a jaw-dropping performance from Scottish sensation Lewis Capaldi.

But it wasn’t all smiles as double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell was the first celeb to be dumped from the contest. Here’s everything you need to know…

Who left Strictly Come Dancing tonight and who was in the dance off?

James Cracknell became the first contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing tonight as he faced David James in the dance off.

Both couples took to the stage and performed their routines again.

James and his dance partner Luba performed their jive to Tutti Fruitti by Little Richard, and former England goalkeeper David James and Nadiya Bychkova performed their Paso Doble to Spanish Gypsy by Espana Cani in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition for week three.

After both couples had performed, the judges delivered their verdict with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save David and Nadiya.

Known for his brutal tongue lashings and harsh criticism, the Aussie-born judge said: “Well for me in that dance off one couple improved beyond compare and that couple is the couple I would like to save, David and Nadiya.”

Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli also chose to save David and Nadiya.

Motsi said: “I felt a stronger performance, a stronger intention, clearer actions. I’m going to save David.”

While Bruno said: “I have to save the couple that really showed to me how you apply and you work on the comments of the judges and deliver a performance that is almost night and day from one day to the other. David and Nadiya."

Head Judge Shirley Ballas also decided to save David James and Nadiya.

When asked by Tess Daley about his time on the show, James Cracknell said:  “Definitely enjoyed the last three days of the last week as I got to grips with the steps and started to enjoy it. I’m enjoying it anyway, the luxury of being with someone so good and learning off them. I’m a way better dancer than I was two weeks ago. Luba’s been amazing with being so patient with a couple of left feet."

Luba also gave an emotional closing comment and said: “I would like to say a huge thank you with all my heart to make this journey so amazing. You inspired me every day and I hope you inspire many more other people to start dancing.”

Which couple topped the leaderboard?

The 15 couples had their scores from week one and week two combined.

These were then added with the viewers’ votes to decide the lowest scoring two couples facing the dance off.

CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual topped the leaderboard on week two with partner Amy Dowden, closely followed by Michelle Visage and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Meanwhile, at the other bottom of the leaderboard, James Cracknell and David James found themselves in danger with their respective dance partners Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova.

The public agreed with the judges decision after the pair were forced to dance again for their position on the show.

Here's the full leaderboard…

What did James Cracknell say about his Strictly elimination?

Olympic rower James reportedly had to be calmed down backstage as he ranted: “I wish I’d never done this show.”

An insider said: “He was livid at being axed. He was saying things like, ‘It was a massive mistake to do Strictly. I’ve been made to look completely stupid.’

“James is very competitive — he won gold at the Olympics twice — and he felt he wasn’t given a fair chance.

“It was like his first career failure. He was very angry backstage and had to be calmed down.”

The insider said James had thought Michelle Visage, 51, would be the first to go but “it felt to him like producers were promoting her and giving her a lot of air time”.

James' close pal, Ben Fogle, came to the star's defence.

He tweeted: "This is NOT true. We were there. James is not a good dancer but he’s also a not a bad loser. I will continue to call out untruths."

Source: Read Full Article