Head judge Shirley Ballas described it as a "heartbreaking" decisionIt's that time of the week again where we have to say goodbye to another Strictly Come Dancing celebrity, and this week it's none other than This Morning's Dr Ranj Singh who'll be departing the dance floor.
Dr Ranj and his professional dance partner Janette Manrara found themselves in the bottom two tonight (November 4) following their Samba to 'Freedom 90' by George Michael, so the pair performed once again in the dreaded dance-off, where they faced Charles Venn and his partner Karen Clifton.
After Dr Ranj and Janette performed their Samba again, and Charles and Karen performed their Viennese Waltz to Billy Joel's 'Piano Man', it was over to the judges for their verdict – and at least Dr Ranj can take comfort in knowing Craig Revel Horwood opted to save him.
"I found this one really difficult actually, two very different dancers, two very different sets of dance skill as well," explained Craig. "But for me, the most improved in that set of skills was Ranj and Janette."
Unfortunately, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas all opted to save Karen and Charles, meaning they got to stay in the competition.
"Again, I don't want to choose between these two lovely gentlemen, but for me the more improved performance on the night was Charles and Karen," Darcey said.
Bruno added: "Can I have them both?! Completely contrasting dances, both very entertaining. But I have to choose the most polished dancer and performer and for that reason I choose Charles and Karen."
Shirley also called the decision "heartbreaking", saying she thinks both couples have done "amazingly well".
"Both couples have made little iddy-biddy errors that I can see, but due to great timing, sophistication I am going to choose Charles and Karen," she decided.
Speaking about his time on the show afterwards, Dr Ranj explained that being a part of the programme has meant a lot to him.
"I can't express how much this has meant to me. I have made friends for life," he said. "I've done something that I only could have dreamed of. I just want to say to anyone who ever dreams of this you can, you really can, 'cause I'm here and I've done it."
His dance partner Janette Manrara also took the time to praise Dr Ranj, both for his progress in the competition and for his job, calling him an "incredible human being".
"I just want to say he is an incredible human being for what he does as an actual job. He is there saving children's lives and he is a special, special man," Janette said.
"On this show, you get to celebrate people that have never done something like this before and for me Ranj is the epitome about what Strictly Come Dancing is about. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, a better partner or better series. I love you so so much. Thank you."
There are now nine couples left in this year's competition, and they'll be returning to dance again when Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday (November 10) at 7pm, with the results show following on Sunday, November 11 at 7.50pm on BBC One.