The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former MP heads home from Strictly
Jacqui Smith has become the first celebrity to depart the dancefloor on Strictly Come Dancing. The ex-home secretary, 57, faced Jamie Laing in last night’s dance-off after failing to impress the judges or win the public vote.
Smith scored just 25 points across two weeks of live shows, while reality TV star Laing finished with 31.
Both couples performed their routines again, with Laing and his professional partner Karen H au er reprising their American Smooth to Night And Day by Frank Sinatra.
Smith and Anton Du Beke performed a samba to Help Yourself by Sir Tom Jones.
All three judges – Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood – voted to save Laing.
Revel Hor wood said: “Based purely on dance merit and what I thought was the better dance of the evening, I’d like to save Jamie and Karen.”
Mabuse added: “Both couples did very well, I felt that both couples picked up a notch this time.
“I think that one couple was a little bit on a higher level so I’m going to save Jamie and Karen.”
Smith’s departure means fan favourite Du Beke will leave the series early.
The ballroom dancer, 54, has often been partnered with celebrities unlikely to find success on the show.
Speaking after being eliminated, Smith said: “I had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine.
“I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man
who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous.
“But I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers, they really are.”
Du Beke said: “Well I’ve loved every second of being in the studio with you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Bruno Tonioli was absent as he is in the US working on Dancing With The Stars, though he is expected to return later in the series.
Saturday ’s show saw viewing figures shoot up from last week with an
average of 10.6 million tuning in, the BBC said.
Last Saturday’s episode attracted an average of 9.3m viewers, so the show saw an increase of 1.3m.
The remaining 11 couples will take to the dancefloor next week for a moviethemed week.