Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard miss out after a shock dance-off
Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard fell at the final hurdle as they became the 12th couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
The final dance-off of the series had a shock in store as the pair found themselves in the bottom two with Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse. It marked Claudia's second time in the dreaded dance-off and Danny's first time.
Given that all couples danced two routines in the semi-final, the two couples chose which one to perform again to reach the final.
Claudia and AJ chose their dazzling quickstep to 'When You're Smiling' by Andy Williams, while Danny and Oti danced their silky American smooth to Dorothy Moore's 'Misty Blue'.
On Saturday's show, Danny and Oti scored a combined 76 to Claudia and AJ's 73 and despite the judges praising the "outstanding level" of both dances, they voted unanimously to save Danny and Oti.
It means Danny and Oti join Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton and Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton in next Saturday's (December 17) final. Will it be a clash of the Cliftons for the glitterball trophy or will Danny spoil the family affair?
Following her exit, Claudia praised her "absolutely amazing" dance partner and expressed her surprise at getting so far.
"Everyone is so lovely and I'm just so happy that I've made it this far, and everyone has just been incredible. To come out and not be as confident as I was, I feel like a different person now, all thanks to this show," she enthused.
AJ added: "I'm just so proud of her, so proud of how far you've come and just how confident you are now."
Can someone pass the tissues?
Next Saturday's final at 6.40pm on BBC One will see the three finalists dance three routines in a bid to win viewers' votes and the coveted trophy: their favourite, the judges' choice and a spectacular show-dance.
