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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Ellie Kemp

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'gutted' as fifth celebrity eliminated after Halloween special

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left 'gutted' as the fifth celebrity was eliminated from the show after the Halloween special.

Eastenders actor James Bye and dance partner Amy Dowden and singer Fleur East and her professional partner Vito Coppola found themselves in the dance-off on Sunday night's results show (October 30). James and Amy reprised their Charleston to Bumble Bee by LaVern Baker in a bid to impress the judges.

Meanwhile, Fleur and Vito performed their salsa routine to Beyonce’s Break My Soul. But after both couples had danced for the second time, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save Fleur, sending James home.

Read more: Laura Whitmore looks 'hot in pink' as she confuses fans with Halloween photos

Craig Revel Horwood said it was his “responsibility” as a judge to “save the better dancer”, meanwhile Motsi Mabuse said there were “different levels of dancing on the dance floor.” Anton Du Beke added: “I thought both couples danced better on Saturday night. They didn’t reproduce their best performance, but it doesn’t have to be the best performance, it has to be better and I thought their performance was just good enough.”

Reflecting on his time on the show, James said: “I’ve said this from the very beginning, all I can do is go out there and do my very best. I am dancing against Fleur East, I went and did my best but she is phenomenal.

“I’ve had the best time on this show and I have a friend for life (in Amy) all I can do is thank the family, and I have a new family now. It’s a competition but you don’t feel like that backstage, you honestly feel like everyone has each other’s backs and everyone is just willing everyone to do their best!”

Fans were sad to see James and Amy leave. Taking to Twitter, @SL_Dee73 said: "I’m gutted. #Strictly," as @swift1emal1k admitted: "i’m gonna sob #strictly".

"Gutted to see @jimmybye and @dowden_amy leave. Don't think it was the right decision this week. The scores didn't make sense," said @LisaDavie9 as @AmandaLouise_K added: "Heartbroken for Amy and James #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," with a crying face and a sad face emoji.

@gemmaarcher84 said: "Going on #Strictly has done James Bye no harm at all. What a lovely, down to earth, family man. #EastEnders" as @corriedalexo gushed: "aww james talking about his boys was so cute bye james you have been incredible #strictly."

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 5 at 7pm, with the results show on Sunday November 6 at 7:15pm on BBC One.

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