Peacock struts off Strictly with his head held high

Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock said it had been “an absolute honour” to be the first disabled person to compete on Strictly Come Dancing as he became the latest dance-off victim.

The athlete thanked everyone for treating him “as an equal” after he lost out to Debbie McGee and became the eighth star to depart the dancefloor.

McGee and professional partner Giovanni Pernice performed their samba to a Spice Girls medley for a second time, while Peacock and Oti Mabuse performed a tango to Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics.

After the judges unanimously decided to save McGee and Pernice, Peacock said he had “massively” enjoyed his time on the show.

He added: “I think it’s been an absolute honour to be the first disabled person and I want to thank each and every one of you for judging me as an equal. That’s what I want.

“You’ve been critical with me and I want that criticism; and I think that’s fantastic and hope it paves the way for more people to come through and I think they may be able to stick their bum under a bit better than me.”

Mabuse added: “This has been one of the most lifechanging things that could ever happen to me.

“Jonnie is not only an inspiration but he represents so much more. If anybody wants to do anything, if you put your mind to it then you can achieve it and that’s what he represents.”

Judge Craig Revel Horwood chose to save McGee and Pernice, citing their “technical cleanliness and outstanding skill”.

Darcey Bussell said it was a difficult decision because both couples had made such improvements but backed McGee and Pernice for “giving a technically more competent performance”.

Bruno Tonioli added: “Let me say, they both did great jobs, great performances, very different, very effective but I have to save the couple who I think overall is much stronger and for that reason I save Debbie and Giovanni.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas confirmed she agreed with the rest of the panel.

Peacock and partner Oti Mabuse performed a tango