Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin have become the latest couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The Paralympian, 27, and her dance partner, 24, faced Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu in the dreaded dance off in the results show on Sunday, November 6. They ultimately, failed to secure a place in next week's show and miss out on the chance to dance at Blackpool Ballroom.
When asked by host Tess Daly about her time on the show, Ellie said: “I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience - life changing really. I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence. And all of you guys - the pros. Every single one of you who’ve been part of this Strictly."
She added: "It’s incredible, this show is life changing. He’s [Nikita] changed my life. We’ve had the most amazing days. We’ve had not just dancing days – but days we’ve just spoken for hours. And the confidence you’ve given me – I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so so much and we’ve literally represented everything. We went out there any danced our life out every single night and I loved it so much.”
A tearful Nikita then addressed his dance partner: “First of all make me speak first next time because I am crying! I am a bit disappointed as I wanted Ellie to have a bit more time on this TV show, I know how much it means to her. I’m really happy that this journey has been with you [Ellie] because she has taught me so so much, so much empathy, just so much, I’ve learnt so much in these seven weeks. I really wanted to go with you to Blackpool, I think we should go there for the rides?
"I love you Els, I just want to tell you every single person in this room loves you. That is just to say how much of a beautiful human you are, you spend time to go to each person inside this room, you care about everybody, you are just such a wonderful human and I am so glad I’ve had the chance to dance with you,” he continued.
This week, Ellie and Nikita performed a Charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate. Meanwhile, Molly and Carlos performed a Foxtrot to You Make Me Happy by My Sun and My Stars in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition. After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Molly and Carlos. He said: “Well the couple I’d like to save are a couple that I think danced better than they did on Saturday night, in this particular dance off and that couple is Molly and Carlos”
Motsi Mabuse chose to save Molly and Carlos. Motsi said: “First of all I thought that dance off was incredible. Both couples really, really just danced exceptionally well. I have decided to save Molly and Carlos.”
Anton Du Beke chose to save Molly and Carlos. Anton said: “Well I think both couples can take credit from dancing an absolutely terrific dance off. But, the couple I’d like to save for making the performance even better than on Saturday night are Molly and Carlos.”
With three votes to Molly and Carlos it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless, however Head Judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have saved Molly and Carlos. “Well it was one of the best dance off I think I’ve ever seen, but again the performance was a little bit stronger in this dance off and I would have awarded it to Molly and Carlos,” she commented.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next week on BBC One at 6.55pm on Saturday, November 12. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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