Week 7: Zoe Lucker leaves Strictly

In week seven of the competition, all 10 of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners took to the floor, with Zoe performing a Samba to Boogie Nights.

After tonight’s performance, the combination of the judges' scores and viewers’ votes left Zoe Lucker and her professional partner James Jordan in the bottom two and facing the dance off with Ali Bastian and her professional partner Brian Fortuna.

The Judges' Comments

Making their decision on who to save the judges said:

Craig Revel Horwood: "Well what a heinous dilemma, I have to say, both couples mucked up and timing was out, for both couples that is, but I am going to save Ali and Brian."

Alesha Dixon: "Both!....Zoe and James."

Bruno Tonioli: "They shouldn’t be there either of them, it’s ridiculous because whoever we are going to save, it’s not fair for the other person. Based on what I saw, I have to go with Ali and Brian."

With 2 votes cast in their favour, Ali and Brian were saved and through to next week's show, after Head Judge Len Goodman said: "I’m sorry I know the viewers can do what they like and it’s a popularity contest and all that, this is ludicrous, it’s nonsensical that either of these are in the bottom two! There are five couples that are worse than these, but I’ve got to make a decision and as somebody said they both did go wrong, and I’m having to save Ali and Brian."

On leaving the competition Zoe Lucker said: "I’ve had an amazing time, James is the best teacher I have to say. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get him to Blackpool but thank you very much for the opportunity, it’s been brilliant."

And professional dance partner James Jordan said: "Can I just say, winning that Strictly trophy ball means everything to me, but I would never swap this wonderful lady for that ball. She’s brilliant, she’s brilliant."

They then departed the show to the exit song; Avril Lavigne's 'When You're Gone.'

Tonight’s show saw the Bee Gees perform 'You Should Be Dancin'' and viewers were treated to a Hip Hop Samba. As well as this, the Strictly professional dancers performed a group Latin Performance to "My Lovin' (Never Gonna Get It)".

Next week, the remaining 9 couples will dance live from the world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom!

Read the BBC news story here