Tyler West has spoken out after his exit from Strictly Come Dancing’s latest series.
It was the radio host and his pro partner Dianne Buswell who left Strictly this weekend, the latest couple to be sent home in this weekend’s Blackpool special.
Following their elimination on Sunday night, Tyler and Dianne spoke exclusively with Rylan on Strictly – It Takes Two about their exit out of the competition.
Tyler said of performing at Blackpool: “it was genuinely everything and more. Dancing on that floor, I can’t describe that feeling. Honestly, I loved every second it literally just felt like it was me and Di dancing out there, and the amazing dancers as well. It was surreal, just absolutely surreal.”
On their trusting relationship Dianne said: “Honestly dancing with Tyler every single week, I have felt so comfortable. I have so much trust in him, more so than some of the pro dancers! He is just amazing he always says to me ‘I promise you I’ll never drop you.”
On his final performance, Tyler said: “Coming off that dance floor and feeling like you left it all there, it’s the best feeling in the world. If I had messed up and done wrong steps you’d feel so guilty, but we genuinely gave it our all and we couldn’t have done any more than that.”
Speaking about being in the bottom two, Dianne said: “I mean it’s never nice being in the bottom two but, you know, first and foremost I wanted Tyler to feel as confident and as good as possible so that he could go out there and smash the routine…
“It’s never the end when you’re when you’re announced in the bottom two, you still have a chance to dance and you still have a chance to prove that you’re worthy of being in the competition and I’m just so proud of Tyler for going out there and just giving everything… I’m such a passionate dancer and really for me, it’s all about leaving your heart on that floor and I can’t ask for anymore because he absolutely did that and I’m so so proud of him.”
On his Strictly experience, Tyler said: “I’m just little old Tyler from some South London council estate, it’s just surreal to then be dancing in front of millions of people. I used to be the shyest kid ever, she [Dianne] brought the best out me on that dance floor… Di is what Strictly is all about. She has the passion, she has the power, she has the drive, she has the creativity and she has the patience!”
When asked about having Tyler as a partner, Dianne said: “Tyler is just everything you want in a partner and more, I can’t even explain how grateful I am to be given this opportunity to be able to give my best choreography, because he’s just such a talent. And like I said in our leaving speech, your [Tyler’s] smile lights up a room and you always gave me everything and more. So thank you so much. You’re an absolute legend.”
Following their exit, seven celebs remain in the competition.
Heading into next weekend are TV presenter Helen Skelton, actor Will Mellor and TV & radio host Fleur East.
They’re joined by presenter & actress Kym Marsh, singer Molly Rainford, Wildlife cameraman & presenter Hamza Yassin and comedian Ellie Taylor.
Next weekend will see the couples competing for a place in the Musicals themed Quarter Final as the race to the glitterball trophy continues.
Strictly 2022 airs on BBC One.
You can watch episodes via the BBC iPlayer.
