Hakuna ma...ta-ta!
Richie’s Strictly farewell after Lion King samba
AFTER a dance-off in a blur of fur, Richie Anderson became the second celebrity to be voted off the Strictly floor. Following the second public vote, the 34-yearold TV and radio personality found himself up against Fleur East to save his place in the contest.
But second time around, Richie failed to improve on the routine he performed with partner Giovanni Pernice for the audience on Saturday night’s live show. The pair danced their lively samba to Hakuna Matata from the Disney movie The Lion King.
But commenting on their act, for which the pair dressed up in baggy Lion King costumes, judge Shirley Ballas joked: “I don’t think I’ll ever look at Giovanni the same way again.” Richie failed to impress as the mischievous meerkat Timon. Giovanni, 32, was warthog Pumbaa.
The show’s 14 celebrity contestants took to the dance floor on Saturday for the movie-themed edition. Up against Richie in the dance-off, former X Factor contestant Fleur, 34, performed the American smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid with her partner Vito Coppola.
Three of the judges plumped for the couple, and Craig Revel Horwood commented: “I would like to save the most accomplished technicians – Fleur and Vito.”
Motsi Mobuse called the decision “heartbreaking” but chose the couple, and Anton du Beke also voted for them, saying: “They were a little more sure-footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry.”
Opted
With three votes, giving them a majority, Fleur andVito were safe, however Shirley said she would have opted to save Richie.
Richie told host Tess Daly: “As a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of, and being here, it really is.”
Sunday evening’s results show also featured a performance from Adam Lambert singing Mad About The Boy.