Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to leave the Strictly ballroom

A combination of viewers’ votes and judges’ scores placed Zara and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima in the bottom two along with Adam Thomas and his partner Luba Mushtuk.

Both couples had to perform again to convince the judges to keep them in the competition.

Adam and Luba performed their American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como. Then, Zara and Graziano performed their Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra.

The judges unanimously chose to save Adam and Luba, with Craig Revel Horwood noting that they had ‘nailed’ their routine. Motsi Mabuse praised both couples for their ‘fighting spirit’ before choosing to save Adam and Luba.

Finally, Anton Du Beke chose to save Adam and Luba for having “the best quality”. Although her vote had no bearing on the outcome, head judge Shirley Ballas noted that she was on the same page as the other judges.

When asked by Tess about her time on the show, Zara said:

“I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously. My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.”

Graziano added: “You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.”

Tonight’s results show opened with a Wednesday Addams inspired routine from the Strictly pros, while Rick Astley provided a musical interlude with his new single ‘Forever and More’.

The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor again next Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.