BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell has become the latest victim of the dreaded Strictly dance-off after the show's judges all sided against him.
The popular BBC Breakfast name and dance partner Katya Jones were left to compete against Michelle Visage and Giovanni Pernice following Strictly Come Dancing's live Saturday show.
And after the two couples performed in the tense dance-off, the result saw the judges make a unanimous decision to save RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle and to eliminate Mike.
Mike, whose enthusiasm and commitment to hard work has seen him egged on by fans, had been sharing his Strictly experience during morning interviews with his BBC Breakfast colleagues.
His wife Emily had staunchly defended him against social media critics of his performances and on Saturday had tweeted of this week's efforts: "I love this routine and it shows a very different side to Mike".
She had urged supporters to get behind him, adding: "My nerves can’t take another dance off this week."
Bushell had responded: "Thanks darl. I think it is worse for loved ones watching as you can’t control what happens thanks for everything you do to support."
But it wasn't to be and now Bushell and Jones have just missed out on next week's Blackpool stage of the BBC competition.
Following this weekend's action, the hit show - which also included a Remembrance Day-inspired group routine from the professional dancers on Sunday - the take the remaining eight couples, including South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey and his dance partner Karen Hauer, off to Blackpool Tower for a special edition.
Ramsey has been delighted at the level of support he has had during the run of the competition, especially across the region, and in an interview with The Chronicle he told how this week's dance - a tango - was proving to be especially serious business.
Now fans can look forward to seeing more of him, and the other remaining celebrities, as the series takes the action up a gear.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Special - which marks week nine of the competition - can be seen next Saturday, November 18 on BBC1 at 7.05pm.
