The first Strictly Come Dancing 2019 results are in but who left in the first elimination last night?
Following the opening two weekends of live shows, Sunday was the first dance off and elimination.
Once all was said and done, James Cracknell and Luba Mushtuk were the first celebrity couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2019.
As usual in the results, the judges’ marks were combined with the viewer votes. James and his pro partner Luba found themselves in the bottom two with David James and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova.
First Strictly Come Dancing 2019 results
As always, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman gathered all 15 of the remaining celebrity couples to read out the safe dancers in no particular order.
Both couples performed their routines again; James and his dance partner Luba performed their jive to Tutti Fruitti by Little Richard; and David and Nadiya performed their Paso Doble to Spanish Gypsy by Espana Cani in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood then had to decide who to save, with head judge Shirley having the casting vote if required.
All four decided to save David and Nadiya.
Craig 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 said: “I felt a stronger performance, a stronger intention, clearer actions. I’m going to save David.”
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”
Although her vote was not needed, Head Judge Shirley Ballas agreed with her fellow judges, and said she too would have chosen to save David and Nadiya.
After his exit James 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 was asked if she had any words for James 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.”
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed next Saturday night will see Strictly’s Movie themed special.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host as the fabulous 14 couples get ready for their close-ups as they perform routines inspired by some of the greatest films of all time (and hope to impress the judges).
After the first two weeks, the leaderboard has been reset and everyone is starting on a blank page as the judges score and public vote once more.
Sadly another couple will have to leave the competition on Sunday night’s Results Show – and no-one wants their Strictly experience to end.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday 5th October at 7.10pm with the results show on Sunday 6th October at 7.15pm on BBC One.
