Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has become the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2025, following a surprise elimination during Icons Week. The former footballer and his professional partner Lauren Oakley performed an American Smooth to Prince's Purple Rain, scoring 30 points, but found themselves in the bottom two against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Despite a strong performance in the dance-off, the judges chose to save Amber and Nikita, leaving Hasselbaink and Oakley out of the competition. Speaking on Strictly: It Takes Two, Hasselbaink said: 'I'm gutted. I was just getting into it! I think I had more to give, I think I was getting better.' He added: 'I definitely didn't hit my peak yet – but it's the name of the game.'
The elimination shocked fans, with many taking to social media to express their disbelief. One viewer wrote: 'Omg – that might be the most shocking bottom two in the history of Strictly!' Another said: 'The most undeserving couples in the dance off.'
Hasselbaink thanked his partner Lauren, calling her 'a diamond', and said he had 'absolutely loved' his time on the show. He also became emotional when a video message from his wife and daughters was played, admitting: 'That was really emotional.'
The remaining couples will compete in week six of the competition.
