Charlotte, Israel booted from 'SYTCD'

[dutchman]

Charlotte Scally and Israel Donowa have been eliminated in the So You Think You Can Dance quarter-final.



Competing as individuals for the first time, the pair found themselves in the danger zone alongside Bethany Rose Harrison and Lee Bridgman after public votes for their earlier routines were counted.

Following deliberations with fellow judges Arlene Phillips, Louise Redknapp and Sisco Gomez, head panellist Nigel Lythgoe first called forward the females in jeopardy.

Turning to Harrison, he said: "For some reason, you are not connecting with the audience out there, whether it's because you're beautiful, whether it's because you're sexy, but for some reason the women aren't voting for you."

He added: "You actually shone, we all agreed you were the best in the girls tonight."

Lythgoe then revealed that the judges had turned in a split vote, meaning that he would get to decide which of the girls went home. Explanation over, he called Scally forward and announced that she was his choice for elimination.

"You have a wonderful personality," he praised. "We just needed you to grow in technique."

The result confirmed, an emotional Scally told host Cat Deeley: "I've enjoyed every minute and I just want to say thank you so much for giving me this opportunity."

With the boys now in the firing line, Lythgoe declined to draw out the judges' verdict again and swiftly called Donowa forward to confirm his exit.

However, he did praise Donowa for the progress he had made throughout the season, stating: "I think the entire panel is agreed that you have had the greatest journey out of everyone.

"You've grown, each week there's been a different angle that you've come from and we're absolutely amazed with how much you have developed throughout the entire season."

During his exit interview, Donowa expressed similar delight with the advances he had made.

He said: "I've definitely grown as a performer as well as a dancer. This is only the beginning...I've loved dancing on the stage, I've loved performing in front of all these people... I just love it."

Harrison and Bridgman will compete against Katie Love, Kirsty Swain, Luke Jackson and Matt Flint in the So You Think You Can Dance semi-final next Saturday at 5.40pm on BBC One.