The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Ellie’ s time on Strictly over
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds has said her time on Strictly Come Dancing has been “life-changing” as she became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from the competition.
Following the live show on Saturday, the five-time Paralympic gold medallist and broadcaster, 27, found herself in the dreaded dance-off against 21-year-old singer and former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford.
Dressed in a fringed crimson red dress, Simmonds and her dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, reprised their lively Charleston to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate in a bid to impress the judges.
During Saturday’s show, Simmonds secured a score of 33 and had the audience and some of the judges on their feet following the routine, which had multiple spins and lifts.
Meanwhile, Rainford and her partner, Carlos Gu, again performed their foxtrot to You Make Me Happy by My Sun and My Stars, which saw them land 35 points during the live show, with Shirley Ballas describing it as the “epitome of style and sophistication”.
After both couples had danced for a second time, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save Rainford, sending Simmonds packing.
Craig Revel Horwood said: “Well, the couple I’d like to save are a couple that I think danced better than they did on Saturday night in this particular dance-off, and that couple is Molly and Carlos.”
Motsi Mabuse praised both couples, saying they “danced exceptionally well”, and Anton Du Beke said it was a “terrific dance-off ”, but both felt Rainford and Gu had the edge.
With three votes to Rainford and Gu, it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless, but head judge Ballas also said she would have saved the pair.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Simmonds said: “I’ve literally had the time of my life. It’s been the most incredible experience – life-changing really.
“I want to thank Nikita ever so much. I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence.”
She praised the Strictly team, including the professional dancers and those behind the scenes, saying: “I’ve literally loved waking up every single day and dancing. I’m going to dance forever.”