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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jack Shepherd

Strictly Come Dancing: Danny John-Jules eliminated from BBC competition following reports of row with Amy Dowden

Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden have been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.

The duo have been at the centre of a media storm earlier after reports emerged claiming the Red Dwarf star and professional dancer had a disagreement in the dance studio. Dowden reportedly walked out of a training session on Wednesday before the pair resolved the row and returned to training.

Their Caribbean-themed samba to "Feels Like Home" by Sigala had landed them at the bottom of the leaderboard for the second weekend in a row. 

During Sunday night's results show (11 November), the pair faced off against cricketer Graeme Swann and his professional partner Oti Mabuse.

After both couples danced again, judge Craig Revel Horwood chose to save John-Jules, saying: "Just for sheer level of difficulty and who I think is the best dancer. That is Danny and Amy."

Conversely, Darcey Bussell chose to save Swann and Mabuse, calling their performance "more finished" and "without any mistakes."

Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas both echoed Bussell's sentiments, with Ballas saying: "Both couples were really wonderful. I think they both put the best step forward but with a more flawless performance, more energy packed, with more excitement, I'm going to go with Graeme and Oti."

After learning the verdict, John-Jules said: "It's been a great experience and I'm just so unhappy I didn't get Amy to where she needed to be.

"And I just think that as I said before, everything I have done on this show is because of Amy. It was her training, her choreography that got me here.

"I can only look as good as her dancing and you know, she is great, and I hope that her career goes up and onwards as she deserves."

Dowden added: "Do you know Danny told me day one that he has been a frustrated song and dance man.

"And I just think it's lovely that the nation has been able to see your talent and to see you back out there performing again, so thank you for delivering such amazing performances week in, week out. And your children are going to be so proud of you."

Next week, the Strictly contestants head to Blackpool to dance at the iconic Tower Ballroom. Catch up on everything that happened in week eight here.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on 17 November at 6.45pm.

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