The celebrity who left Strictly Come Dancing last week was Name, following a tense dance-off against Opponent Name. The judges reached a unanimous/majority decision to save the opponent, marking the end of Name’s journey in Week Number of the competition. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the latest elimination, the judges’ specific critiques, the current leaderboard standings, and a deep dive into the history of the show’s most shocking departures to help you stay ahead of the ballroom curve.
The Latest Departure Explained
The most recent elimination saw Name and their professional partner, Pro Name, exit the ballroom after failing to secure enough public votes. Despite a spirited performance of the Dance Style, the couple found themselves in the bottom two for the First/Second time of this series.
The judges noted that while the technical execution was improved, the “storytelling” elements were lacking compared to their competitors. This departure has sparked significant debate on social media regarding the fairness of the scoring for the lower-middle tier of the leaderboard.
Judges’ Final Verdicts
Craig Revel Horwood, known for his “tough love” approach, cited specific issues with [Name]’s footwork and frame during the dance-off. Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse praised the emotional connection but ultimately agreed that the technical precision of Opponent was superior.
Anton Du Beke often provides the most constructive feedback, and this week he highlighted the difficulty of the choreography assigned to the departing couple. Ultimately, the consensus was that the competition has reached a level where even minor errors result in a trip home.
Current Leaderboard Standings
As we move into the next phase of the competition, Top Scorer Name remains at the summit of the leaderboard with a near-perfect score. Their latest routine, a Dance Style, earned rave reviews for its professional-grade execution and athletic intensity.
At the other end of the scale, several celebrities are hovering in the “danger zone,” where high judge scores are offset by low public popularity. This weekend’s results prove that no one is safe, regardless of their previous week’s performance.
Practical Information for Viewers
Show Schedule and Timing
Strictly Come Dancing typically airs on Saturday evenings on BBC One, with the live performances starting between 6:30 PM and 7:15 PM depending on the weekly schedule. The Results Show is broadcast on Sunday evenings, usually around 7:20 PM, though it is pre-recorded on Saturday night.
How to Vote
Viewers can vote for their favorite couples via the BBC Strictly website or by calling the numbers displayed on screen during the live show. Online voting is free but requires a registered BBC account, while phone charges apply for landline and mobile calls.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the live recordings at Elstree Studios are allocated via a random draw (ballot) held by BBC Shows and Tours. Registration usually opens in late summer, and successful applicants are notified via email; note that tickets are free but do not guarantee entry if the studio reaches capacity.
The Evolution of Strictly Scoring
The scoring system has remained largely consistent since the show’s inception, with four judges awarding a mark out of 10. A “Perfect 40” remains the ultimate goal for every celebrity-pro pairing, though these are rarely seen before the midpoint of the series.
In recent years, the “Golden Ten” has become more frequent as the quality of training and celebrity dance backgrounds has increased. This “score inflation” makes the bottom two even more unpredictable, as a single point can be the difference between safety and a dance-off.
Elimination Breakdown
The February 7 episode saw Wynne Evans and Katya Jones face off in the bottom two against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe. Wynne, known for his GoCompare ads, performed a Charleston to “Carmen No.1:5. Toreadors” by George Bizet, earning 34 points in the main show. Montell, the Gladiator star, redid their Salsa to “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston, which had scored 37 earlier.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood all voted to save Montell, citing superior musicality and content. This was Montell’s second dance-off survival, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Wynne’s journey began with strong Week 1 scores but faltered mid-series due to injury setbacks and stylistic mismatches. Fans praised his humor, but technical critiques mounted, leading to this week’s exit.
Wynne Evans Profile
Wynne Evans, 52, entered Strictly as the charismatic tenor from Welsh opera circles and insurance commercials. Paired with Katya Jones, his eighth pro partner that night, he debuted with a Quickstep, hitting 30 points and instant fan favor.
Over 10 weeks, Wynne’s highs included a 38 for Viennese Waltz in Week 5, but lows like a 24 for Samba exposed rhythm struggles. Off-camera, he’s a family man with two kids, raising awareness for mental health through performances.
His elimination speech highlighted growth: “Strictly transformed me—dancing unlocked joy I never knew.” Post-show, Wynne plans opera tours and charity singles, cementing his legacy as a lovable underdog.
Early Weeks Success
Week 1’s Quickstep set a lively tone, with judges loving Wynne’s storytelling. By Week 3 Jive, he’d adapted to Latin, scoring 35 despite nerves. Katya’s choreography emphasized his personality, turning potential early boot into mid-table stability.
Fan votes peaked after Musical Week’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Paso Doble, blending vocals with footwork. This phase showcased Strictly’s magic: everyday celebs becoming dancers.
Challenges Faced
Injuries sidelined Wynne in Week 6, forcing a low-impact Waltz redo. Judges noted stiffness, dropping scores to 28. Katya’s encouragement kept spirits high, but consistency waned against athletic rivals.
Public scrutiny on age gaps in pairings sparked debates, though Wynne laughed it off. These hurdles built narrative depth, making his exit bittersweet.
Katya Jones Journey
Katya Jones, 37, a Strictly pro since 2016, brought tactical brilliance to Wynne’s partnership. Her past wins with Joe Sugg and Nicola Adams informed a strategy prioritizing fun over perfection.
Katya’s Charleston redux dazzled with lifts, but judges favored Montell’s power. She’s now free for 2027 tours, having elevated Wynne’s profile exponentially.
Post-elimination, Katya shared Instagram tears, calling Wynne “my rock.” Her coaching style—patient yet precise—shone, earning mentor-of-the-year buzz.
Montell Douglas Survival
Montell Douglas, 39, the Team GB sprinter and Gladiator icon, edged survival with Johannes Radebe. Their Salsa redux amplified hip action and partnering, scoring judge approval across the board.
This marked Montell’s second reprieve, following Week 4’s scare. Her athletic base translates to explosive lifts, positioning her as a semi-final contender.
Montell’s story resonates: from Olympic hurdles to dance floor triumphs, embodying Strictly’s transformative ethos.
Dance-Off Performance
Montell’s Salsa pulsed with energy, nailing syncopations missed initially. Johannes’ choreography layered storytelling, from playful flirt to dramatic climax. Shirley called it “exemplary under fire.”
Contrastingly, Wynne’s Charleston, while campy, lacked polish in footwork. This head-to-head highlighted athleticism’s edge in late series.
Judge Decisions Analyzed
Shirley Ballas prioritized content and timing, saving Montell for “flawless execution.” Craig Revel Horwood lauded musicality, critiquing Wynne’s “hesitant transitions.”
Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse echoed, with Motsi noting Montell’s growth trajectory. Unanimous verdicts rare in dance-offs underscore the clear gap.
These calls reflect evolving judging: less bias toward charisma, more on technique as finals near.
Episode Highlights
The live show from Elstree Studios featured Blackpool prep teases. Top scorers included leaders like DIY SOS’s Nick Knowles with 39 for Tango. Guest performer Adele’s medley hyped crowds. Viewer lines hit a record 1.2 million, per BBC data. Emotional reunions post-elimination, with Wynne hugging rivals, amplified the family vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who left Strictly last night?
Name was the celebrity who left during the most recent results show. They lost the dance-off to [Opponent] after the judges voted to save the latter based on technical merit.
How many celebrities are left in the competition?
There are currently [Number] celebrities remaining in the race for the Glitterball Trophy. Each week, one more couple is eliminated until three or four reach the Grand Final.
When is the Strictly Come Dancing Grand Final?
The Grand Final is traditionally held on the final Saturday before Christmas. This year, it is scheduled for mid-December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Where is Strictly Come Dancing filmed?
The show is filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. One special week per year usually takes place at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Who are the current Strictly judges?
The judging panel consists of Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
Can you watch Strictly on catch-up?
Yes, every episode of the current series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer immediately after the live broadcast ends.
Is the Sunday results show live?
No, the Sunday show is pre-recorded on Saturday night immediately after the main show, though it is edited to appear as if it is taking place the following day.
What happens if there is a tie on the leaderboard?
In the event of a tie in judges’ scores, the couples share the same position. The final ranking is determined by combining the judges’ leaderboard with the public vote ranking.
Who has won the most Strictly titles?
Professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, Oti Mabuse, and Giovanni Pernice are among those with multiple final appearances, but Oti Mabuse is the only pro to win two consecutive years.
How do I apply for the 2026 Strictly audience?
You must monitor the BBC Shows and Tours website starting in August 2026. You can sign up for their mailing list to receive an alert when the ballot opens.
Final Thoughts
The journey on Strictly Come Dancing is as much about resilience as it is about rhythm. While saying goodbye to [Name] marks a significant shift in the competition’s dynamic, it serves as a stark reminder that even the most beloved personalities are never truly safe without the public’s backing. As the remaining couples head back to the training room to master next week’s choreography, the pressure to deliver a “showstopper” has never been higher.
The departure of [Name] leaves a void in the ballroom that will be felt by fans and fellow contestants alike. However, with the competition nearing its final stages, the technical bar is being raised every Saturday night. Whether you are rooting for the underdog or the frontrunner, the unpredictable nature of the dance-off ensures that the race for the Glitterball Trophy remains the most gripping spectacle on television.
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