Week 8: Craig Kelly leaves Strictly

In week eight of the competition, all nine of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners took to the floor, with Craig performing a Cha Cha to Easy Lover.

After tonight’s performance, the combination of the judges' scores and viewers’ votes left Craig Kelly and his professional partner Flavia Cacace in the bottom two and facing the dance off with Ricky Groves and his professional partner Erin Boag.

The Judges' Comments

Making their decision on who to save the judges said:

Craig Revel Horwood: "I'd like to save Ricky and Erin."

Alesha Dixon: "Craig - you've been very sweet, my love. But I have to save Ricky and Erin."

Bruno Tonioli: "Based on what I saw, I have to save Ricky and Erin."

With 3 votes cast in their favour, Ricky Groves and Erin Boag were saved and through to next week's show. It was academic but Head Judge Len Goodman said: "I was in agreement with my colleagues."

On leaving the competition Craig Kelly said: "I feel pretty amazing really. It's great that I made it to Blackpool. Any other week was a massive Bruce's bonus. And to have danced with the best dancer in the world for two-and-a-half months has been wonderful."

They then departed the show to the exit song; S Club 7's 'Never Had A Dream Come True.'

Tonight’s show saw the legendary Rod Stewart perform 'It's The Same Old Song' and viewers were treated to the Strictly professional dancers performing a Viennese Waltz and a Remembrance Swing, featuring the return of former Strictly winner Jill Halfpenny.

Next week, the remaining eight couples will return to London, to dance live again from BBC TV Centre!

Read the BBC news story here