Claudia leaves the competition as Danny, Louise and Ore become Strictly 2016 Finalists
The result is in... Claudia and AJ are the twelfth couple to depart the Strictly dancefloor, leaving the stage set for our three Finalists: Danny, Louise and Ore.
In the toughest week of the competition yet, the remaining duos pulled out all the stops in a bid for their place in the Grand Final. Following the news of Louise and Ore's Finalist status, it was revealed that both Claudia and AJ and Danny and Oti were in the dreaded Dance Off.
Free to choose which dance to perform again, Claudia and AJ selected their Quickstep to ‘When You’re Smiling’ by Andy Williams, while Danny and Oti opted for their American Smooth to ‘Misty Blue’ by Dorothy Moore.
After both couples made their last bid for a place in the final, Tess asked the judges based on the dance off alone, which couple they wanted to save and their reasons for saving them.
Faced with the unenviable decision of electing the third finalist, the Judges unanimously chose to save Danny and Oti – but each praised the two couples for the quality of their performances.
Craig thought both performances were of the highest order, with one couple inching into the lead. He explained: “Both couples I have to say in that Dance Off were worth tens equally so it is so difficult, but I would really like to save Danny and Oti.”
Darcey lauded both couple’s Dance Off routines, but settled on Danny and Oti as her Finalists. She said: “Both performed to such an outstanding level tonight and it makes it very hard to choose between… but the couple that had a small edge over the other were Danny and Oti.”
Bruno agreed with the preceding decisions and explained his decision-making: “First, I would like to congratulate you because you were both excellent but I have to go with the couple that had an edge in artistry and emotional impact and for that reason I choose Danny and Oti.”
Head Judge Len said he was in agreement with his fellow Judges.
Reflecting on her Strictly experience, Claudia enthused about having made it so far in the competition and the transformative effect it has had. She said: "Everyone is so lovely and I’m just so happy that I’ve made it this far... I feel like a different person now, all thanks to this show.”
When talking about her dance partner, Claudia said to AJ: “You have been so lovely to me and you’ve really boosted my confidence and it’s all thanks to you.”
AJ was bursting with pride after Claudia’s achievements. He explained: “I’m just so proud of her... so proud of how far you’ve come and just how confident you are now. Thank you.”
The remaining couples were full of praise for our Pocket Rockets. Here's what they had to say...
Next Saturday, the three remaining couples will return to the dancefloor to battle it out in the ballroom for the very last time in Strictly Come Dancing – The Final.
Claudia and AJ will be joining Zoe Ball for their first exclusive televised interview live on It Takes Two on Monday 12th December at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
