Mike Bushell is the eighth celebrity to leave Strictly

Our couples gave it their all to get that coveted ticket to Blackpool this weekend, but sadly the Strictly journey has come to an end for Mike and Katya.

The judges' scores and viewers’ votes combined meant that Mike and Katya faced Michelle and Giovanni in the Dance Off.

Despite surviving three Dance Offs previously, Mike and Katya’s luck ran out as the judges unanimously decided to save Michelle and Giovanni.

Motsi Mabuse said: "I honestly have to say I have seen the best performance from both couples. I really, really mean that. But one couple was the clear winner of the Dance Off, and I am going to save Michelle and Giovanni."

Despite the disappointment, Mike was characteristically looking on the bright side: "I have lost a stone and half. I’m a guy in his 50s, I’m mentally sharper, I feel able to deal with pressured situations – thanks to the Dance Offs!"

He had kind words for his Pro partner: "This amazing teacher, Katya, I can’t tell you the dedication that she puts in. She’d make the greatest sporting coach ever, she makes you believe that anything is possible."

And Katya was bursting with pride for Mike: "In my eyes you’re the winner. The only thing he has lost is weight. He came in every single day giving his heart, soul, everything, 200% no matter what after every single Dance Off and thank you so much. I'm so sorry I couldn’t take you to Blackpool."

Mike and Katya will be joining Rylan Clark-Neal on the It Takes Two sofa to give the full story on their Strictly experience, tomorrow (Monday) at 6.30pm on BBC Two.