Jason Bell has become the second contestant to depart the Strictly dancefloor after he faced Nicola Adams in the dreaded dance-off.
The National Football League pundit was voted off Strictly Come Dancing after the judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes to decide the lowest scoring two couples facing the dance-off.
Both couples were asked to perform their Movie Week routines again on the BBC dance contest.
Olympic boxing champ Nicola and her pro partner Katya Jones performed their jive to Greased Lightnin’ by John Travolta and Jason Bell and his partner Luba Mushtuk performed their Paso Doble to the Star Wars Theme by John Williams in a bid to remain in the competition.
After both couples danced a second time the judges delivered their verdicts.
All three judges - Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood - opted to save Nicola and Katya, who have made Strictly history and won hearts as the show's first same-sex couple.
Craig said: “Well there was a marked improvement in both performances this evening and both couples actually took the notes that we gave them which was brilliant. But the couple I would like to save is Nicola and Katya.”
Motsi said: “I definitely saw that one couple was stronger - stronger performance, stronger technique, stronger intention and that is why I’m saving Nicola and Katya.”
And head judge Shirley agreed with their decision.
When asked by host Tess Daly about his time on the show, former American football player Jason said: “It was an opportunity of a lifetime.
"I had so much fun, thank you Luba.
"You have worked so hard with me, you’re a great friend for life and I appreciate all that you’ve done, I really do. "I’ve had such a good time here.
"Everybody is wonderful. I mean really this is amazing – this is a brilliant place! This is the best group of people ever, this is amazing.”
And Luba said about her celeb dance partner: “You really bring the joy to my life, and I am so honoured and proud to be partnered with you.
"I now have a friend for life. I just want to say, to be actually able to do this show shout out to everyone who does so much sacrifices to make this happen.
"It is such an honour to be here and I’m very proud of you.”
The remaining 10 couples will take to the dancefloor next Saturday at 7.10pm with the results show on Sunday at 7.25pm on BBC One.
Jason and Luba will be joining Zoe Ball on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
