Last night, in a rare Friday evening outing for Strictly, the remaining couples took the ballroom floor in a musical-themed special.
The judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes to decide the lowest scoring two couples facing the dance off. Facing possible elimination were Kym Marsh and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima and Molly Rainford and her partner Carlos Gu.
Both couples performed their routines again; Kym and Graziano performed their Cha Cha to Fame from the musical Fame. Then Molly and Carlos performed their Charleston to Hot Honey Rag from Chicago.
The judges then delivered their verdicts with Craig Revel Horwood noting that he didn’t ‘want to see either couple go’ and that the elimination was a case of ‘splitting hairs’, before sending Molly and Carlos through to next week.
Molly and Carlos were also saved by Motsi Mabuse on the strength of their dance off performance. Anton Du Beke, however, chose to save Kym and Graziano noting that they had ‘raised their game’ in comparison to Friday night.
The casting vote lay with head judge Shirley Ballas who saved Molly and Carlos.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Kym said:
“Honestly I’ve loved every single second that I’ve been here. I never thought I’d get to this stage, in a million years. I have to say, it’s all down to this man [Graziano] here, he is just wonderful and he will be my friend forever. But what a journey it’s been, this show is just wonderful, it shows you things about yourself you don’t know, it shows you how tough you can be. Everybody, the crew, the celebs, the pros, costume, make up, everyone is amazing. I’ve had the best time, so thank you.”
Graziano added of their time in the competition: “I will be part of your family forever, I think we became friends from the very first day. I know you’ve learnt how to dance, but I have learnt so much from you, you are a warrior. You’re going to be in my heart forever, we’re going to be together many times, because I know I have found a friend for life.”
Tonight’s results show opened with a dazzling routine from the Strictly professional dancers in an energetic number from Guys and Dolls. Plus The Cher Show performed a medley of hits.
The remaining five couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the semi-final when Strictly Come Dancing will air live on Sunday 10th December at 7.15pm, with the results show on Monday 11th December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
