Greg Rutherford leaves Strictly

Greg Rutherford is the ninth celebrity to depart the dancefloor in Strictly 2016… but what better dancefloor to depart than that of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom?

Having danced his way all the way to the home of ballroom, Greg and Natalie performed a Grease-inspired Quickstep to ‘Hand Jive’ by Sha Na Na. When the results were announced, the couple found themselves in the Dance Off alongside fellow Olympian Claudia Fragapane and her partner AJ.

After both duos had performed a second time, Tess asked the judges based on the Dance Off alone, which couple they wanted to save and why.

Craig opted to save Claudia and AJ, explaining: “Both couples I thought improved enormously and I don’t really want to say goodbye to either. I have great respect for them but closer to perfection for me and the couple I’d like to save — Claudia and AJ.”

Darcey followed suit: “It’s really tough to see both these couples in the dance off and they did such a better performance tonight, but the couple I’d would like to save for the stronger technique — Claudia and AJ.”

Bruno agreed with both Craig and Darcey’s verdict. He said: “Well first let me say it was so much fun watching both of you tonight. You have brought so much energy and fun to both dances but I have to pick the couple I thought was stronger both content wise and performance wise — Claudia and AJ.”

Head Judge Len concurred with his fellow judges and said: “I would have agreed — Claudia and AJ.”

Talking to Tess about his Strictly experience, Greg said: “It’s been one of the most of incredible things in my life. I’ve been very lucky in my life, I’ve done some amazing things but this is truly one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve made such good friends here.”

Natalie was full of praise for Greg. She said: “You are an amazing man, you’ve never had any dance experience and you got out there and you’ve just shown the world that you can dance. Honestly this has been the most incredible experience of my life performing and dancing every Saturday night with you; I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Sorry I couldn’t get you any further.”

The Strictly family are going to miss the long-legged athlete, especially Judge Rinder who described Greg as the “kind of person you’d want as your big brother or Head Boy at school.” Here’s what the remaining six celebs had to say about Greg: