Mike Bushell was reportedly desperate to leave Strictly Come Dancing after repeatedly landing in the bottom two.
The BBC sports presenter, who was paired with professional Katya Jones, was sent home at the weekend after facing the dance off for the fourth time.
He'd been saved by the judges three times in a row, and fans were crying fix.
But after facing Michelle Visage in the dance off this week, he was finally sent packing.
The star's friends say he's relieved it's finally all over.
A pal told The Sun : "There’s no doubt Mike loves Strictly and working with Katya but he barely has anything left in the tank.
"It's a fast-paced show which needs 100 per cent commitment and it was all starting to get a bit much.
"Going on for any longer was beginning to look a touch daunting as it’s so mentally and physically draining."
Mike didn't believe he'd make it as far as he did in the contest, his friend says.
The star had a rough time on social media, with people lashing out when he was repeatedly saved by the judges.
He even received death threats as people told him to leave the contest for good.
His wife Emily was even forced to defend him after the "shocking" level of abuse that was thrown at him.
Despite having a hard time on the BBC show, Mike has vowed to keep dancing.
Mike, 53, said: "I’d encourage anyone to take up dancing.
"Emily and I would like to join a salsa class. And my mum and dad are talking about getting some ballroom lessons – she’s 77 and he’s 81."
Paying tribute, to Katya, 30, he said: "I can’t tell you the dedication she puts in. She’d make the greatest sporting coach ever. She makes you believe anything is possible.
"She hasn’t taken it easy on me. We had difficult routines."
Mirror Online has contacted Mike's representatives for comment.
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