Jacqui and Anton are first out of Strictly 2020
No one wants to be the first to leave the competition, but unfortunately it was Jacqui Smith and her partner Anton Du Beke whose time came to bow out in Week Two.
On Saturday night, the couple performed a Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones, scoring a total of 12 from the Judges - one less than their Week One score of 13. Once both of their scores were combined with the public vote, Jacqui and Anton found themselves in the bottom two, facing Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer in the first Dance Off of the series.
However, their Samba didn't hold up against Jamie and Karen's American Smooth, seeing the three Judges vote unanimously to send Jacqui and Anton home.
When making her decision, Judge Motsi Mabuse said: “First of all I’d like to say that both couples did very well, I felt that both couples picked up a notch this time. I just have to say that for me personally, I think that one couple was a little bit on a higher level so I’m going to save Jamie and Karen.”
Fellow Judges Craig Revel-Horwood and Shirley Ballas agreed with the decision, also opting to save Jamie and Karen.
Despite their decision, Jacqui remained upbeat, saying: "I had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine. I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man [Anton], who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to be with. But I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers, they really are. So I’ll be watching you and supporting you."
"To Anton I would like to say you have been just an absolute joy to be with. I am so pleased and proud to have spent this time with you. And to everybody on the programme - I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that put this programme together and if ever we need Strictly, we need it now, so thank you so much."
Anton also had kind words for Jacqui, adding: "I’ve loved every second of being in the studio with you. We have laughed, you have a shocking sense of humour, I can’t begin to tell you! You are just the best and I’ve loved it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
We're really going to miss this fantastic pair! But you can see them together for one last time on the It Takes Two sofa this Monday on BBC Two at 6.30pm.
