Strictly announces second couple to leave the competition

[dutchman]

"It's been the best two months of my life"



Strictly Come Dancing has revealed the second celebrity to be eliminated from this year's competition, as the curtains close on Movie Week.

After combining the judges' scores with the viewer votes, Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones once again found themselves in the dreaded dance-off; this time, battling against Paul Merson and Karen Hauer.

Performing again for the judges, 80s musician Toyah and partner Neil danced the Samba to 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' from The Little Mermaid. Former footballer Paul and partner Karen then performed their Cha Cha to 'The Magnificent Seven' from the film of the same name.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were unanimous in their decisions, all voting to save Paul and Karen. Though the choice was taken out of her hands, Head Judge Shirley Ballas said she would have also saved Paul and Karen.

With zero votes in their favour, Toyah and Neil were eliminated from the competition.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Toyah told Tess Daly: "It's been the best two months of my life, it has been fantastic. I have enjoyed every second. And you [Neil] have been phenomenal, thank you so much."

Complimenting Toyah's work ethic, Neil added: "She has made me laugh so much, I have never seen someone work so hard – I'm the one asking for breaks every now and then! She just kept going, she wanted to learn so much.

"If you saw her in the hallway she's been practising. Everyone's been telling me have you seen Toyah practising, she's brilliant and she's what Strictly is all about, and I've loved every moment."

Toyah echoed those feelings, gushing about her dance partner: "It was immediate, it had to be Neil. I felt so comfortable and safe.

"You're a great teacher, you're a great friend as well. You've just given me a new zest for life, that's the most valuable thing I've come away with."

He may be out of the competition, but tonight's (October 6) Results Show starred Neil as the leading man in a rom-com inspired routine, performed by the professional dancers. The episode also featured a musical performance of The Heart Asks Pleasure First from Alexis Ffrench.

The remaining couples will be back on the dancefloor next Saturday (October 12), as the competition continues to heat up.