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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday

Strictly's Fleur East breaks down in tears backstage after shock dance-off with Richie

Fleur East broke down in tears on Strictly Come Dancing after landing herself in the dreaded dance-off.

The Sax singer had to dance her American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid once again alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola as she took on Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice in the dance-off.

Richie and Giovanni recreated their Lion King inspired Samba to Hakuna Matata but on the judges' verdict, Richie was the one to receive the chop.

An insider has revealed to The Mirror that a devastated Fleur broke down in tears after she was saved.

She was "really upset" by what happened and was consoled by her pro dance partner and the other celebrities as she teared up over what happened.

Fleur was in the dance-off tonight (BBC/Guy Levy)

A source exclusively told The Mirror: "There was an audible gasp in the studio when Fleur's name was called out for the dance-off. All the pros and celebs looked so shocked and Fleur was clearly devastated.

"She was keeping it all together like a real pro but after she and Vito were sent through by the judges and the cameras were off, she began to cry. Vito comforted her but it was clear she was really upset - as were the other celebs."

The insider added: "Motsi was also in tears and was one of the first to rush over and give Richie a hug."

Fleur is partnered with Vito on the show (PA)

The four judges were tasked with choosing their preferred dancer of the night, with Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton du Beke all choosing to save Fleur whilst Shirley said she would have chosen Richie.

Giving their verdicts, Craig began by saying: "I would like to save the most accomplished technician and that is Fleur and Vito," whilst Motsi admitted the decision was "heartbreaking" as she insisted neither should have been in the bottom two.

"I think it’s heart-breaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here but this is how the public voted and based on this dance off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito," she added.

Fleur was listed as an early favourite on the show (BBC)

Giving his opinion on the dance-off, Anton said: "Well I thought that was a well danced dance off. I thought both couples performed well, I thought one couple was a bit more sure footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry about what they were doing, so the couple I would like to save is Fleur and Vito."

Shirley was asked for her vote, though whatever she chose would have not made a difference as the other three had already opted to save Fleur and Vito. She said she would have chose to put through Richie and Giovanni.

"Well with the two couples the public put in the bottom two I would have saved Richie and Giovanni," she said.

*Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.

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