A Strictly Come Dancing host made a candid admission this weekend after the first elimination of the series. New presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe returned to front the programme's first results show on Sunday (October 4).
Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden eliminated
Following Saturday evening's Movie Week spectacular, the judges' scores were combined with those from the previous week's opening live performance, when no public voting took place. These were then merged with Saturday's (October 3) viewer votes to determine the two lowest-placed partnerships, who would compete in the dance off.
It was subsequently announced that Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden would face Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu in the dance off. Chris and Amy performed first, dancing their Cha Cha to I'll Be Ready from Baywatch, followed by Jaime and Carlos with their Cha Cha to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman.
Following both performances, the judges gave their decisions. Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all opted to save Jaime and Carlos, resulting in Chris and Amy becoming the first partnership to be eliminated from the competition. Craig Revel Horwood subsequently confirmed that he supported his colleagues' decision, reports the Express.
Hosts react on Strictly: Lights Up
There was swift response from the dance floor in the debut episode of Strictly: Lights Up, presented by Abi Clarke and Tyler West. The new programme sees Abi and Tyler bring audiences directly into the ballroom to interview the departing couple, their dance off rivals - alongside the judges, hosts, fellow Strictly performers, and studio attendees.
During the opening segment, Abi spoke with presenters Emma, Josh and Johannes, who shared their thoughts after hosting their first elimination programme. Abi addressed Josh, asking: "Josh, first results show for you. How does it feel to send someone home?"
Issuing a three-word response, Josh said: "I hated that," before adding: "It's awful. Can I say that?" Johannes then remarked: "You can absolutely say that, because that's the part of the show that I do not miss."
Josh subsequently acknowledged that the moment was "so emotionally intense", shortly before Emma entered the discussion. She commented: "I tell you what, that is not pleasant. That is the worst part of my week, isn't it?"
Emma Willis on delivering the news
Abi noted that Emma had to stand and deliver the news of who was in the dance off. The host then revealed: "I know! They made me do it."
Johannes swiftly interjected: "You can't say that! I mean, you were the man for the job," while Josh quipped: "Do you know what, it's really tough up there talking to the saved couples."
Emma continued: "You can see, I know I said it, you can see how much they all just don't want to be in that dance off. They are all loving what they're doing. And you're like, 'Can't we change the rules?'"
The results programme also featured another presenting adjustment, with Emma and Johannes conducting the judges' debrief at the start of the episode. Emma subsequently returned to the ballroom to announce the results, while Josh and Johannes spoke with the remaining couples in the Clauditorium. Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
