Richie Anderson speaks out after Strictly Come Dancing exit

Richie Anderson has spoken out after his exit from Strictly Come Dancing’s latest series.

It was Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice who left Strictly last night, the second couple to be sent home.

This evening the pair spoke to Rylan on It Takes Two about their departure.

On his performance on Saturday night, Richie said: “It was incredible, as a Strictly fan to open movie week it was such an honour. We were dancing in front of the judges, I had my tassels on, I got to do a Samba, Craig got to smile, I loved it!”

Giovanni added: “It was fun, the whole concept was fun, dancing to Hakuna Matata, dressed like that, we did it for the kids. The technical bits were there, overall it was a good performance.”

Richie continued: “You always know, going into the studio on a Saturday night, that it could be the last time. Every dance I have done, it might not have been technically perfect, but I have gone out there and given it some welly, and given it 110%!

“And all you can do Rylan, is hope it’s enough, and as you can see from Saturday night and Sunday night, you can never be too sure. But I have just had the most amazing time!”

When asked if he was shocked about leaving the competition after the judges’ comments, Richie said: “The only place I’ve ever danced before Strictly was in a nightclub, and I felt like I was bringing that same vibe into Strictly.

“We worked on trying to make me a bit more gracious, and more Latin and more ballroom, but you know what, I totally accept the result, it is what it is. I feel so lucky that I got to do Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve met some incredible people.”

On being in the bottom two against Fleur and Vito, Giovanni said: “It’s not a nice position to be in, but in general, this competition, everyone is amazing this year. Fleur is fantastic, as is Vito, you don’t want to be in that position no matter who with. Unfortunately we had a Samba, and they did a fantastic dance. I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge in that position, it was difficult.”

Giovanni added about Richie: “I am proud, you should have seen the effort he put in the room each day, he really wanted to get it right. I am so glad he got to do this experience, and maybe he can come back for the Christmas special?!”

Following their exit, thirteen celebs remain in the competition.

Those remaining on 2022’s Strictly Come Dancing line up include Paralympic champion & broadcaster Ellie Simmonds, singer Molly Rainford, EastEnders star James Bye, TV and radio host Tyler West and TV star Will Mellor.

Also on the line up are stand up comedian and actress Ellie Taylor, TV & radio broadcaster Helen Skelton, comic Jayde Adams and media personality Kym Marsh.

Completing the 2022 contestants are Bros star Matt Goss, footballer turned manager Tony Adams, singer & host Fleur East and Wildlife cameraman & TV personality Hamza Yassin.

Strictly 2022 airs on BBC One.

You can catch up on episodes online via BBC iPlayer.