Schmeichel was voted off the show on his birthday

Schmeichel and dance partner Erin Boag were left in last place behind ex-Spice girl Emma Bunton and Darren Bennett.

Meanwhile hospital worker Robert Allen became the latest singing hopeful to be eliminated from ITV's X Factor.

Judge Simon Cowell sent the Essex crooner home after he went head-to-head with Liverpool quartet Eton Road.

Schmeichel, who turned 43 on Saturday, the day of his departure from the show, said bad things always seemed to happen on his birthday.

"I have no luck on my birthdays. I once missed world cup qualification on my birthday. I'm used to it."

On X Factor, Allen told the audience: "This show has given me a new lease of life and it won't be the last that you see of me."

Strictly Come Dancing won the viewing figures battle with 9.4 million tuning in against 8.8 million for X Factor, according to initial figures.