Lawrence Robb has spoken publicly for the first time since becoming the latest celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing, following the show's first ever three-couple dance-off at the end of Halloween week. The Emmerdale actor and his professional partner Jowita Przystał were eliminated by the judges during the results show on Sunday, November 1.
A Historic Three-Couple Dance-Off
Robb and Przystał had performed a Tango to Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr during the live Halloween special on Saturday, October 31. The judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, awarded them a combined score of 26 points out of 40.
The results show revealed that they would face Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, in the first ever three-couple dance-off. Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita, and Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakly, avoided the dance-off despite receiving the lowest scores of the weekend.
The Judges' Verdict
Bethany and Nancy performed their Jive to I'm In Love With a Monster by Fifth Harmony, while Jaime and Carlos danced their Salsa to Filthy / Gorgeous by the Scissor Sisters. Robb and Przystał then performed their Tango again for the judges.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all chose to eliminate Robb and Przystał. Motsi Mabuse, who held the deciding vote this week, said she would also have chosen to eliminate them if her vote had been needed.
Lawrence Robb's Emotional Reaction
Speaking to presenter Emma Willis after his exit, Robb said: "It's quite hard to put into words. It's the most intense, the most incredible, the most loving, caring and wonderful family to be part of. The dancefloor is electric.
"I've got my mum and dad here, I got to dance for mum and dad again. I said to Jowita, 'I made a mistake and my head's in the clouds'. I cannot thank everybody, the judges, the cast, pros, you [Emma], the crew, everybody."
When Willis noted that he had been 'so nervous' at the start of the series and had gone on to become the first contestant to take on the Rumba, Robb replied: "I'm really proud of the journey, the Salsa was an absolute highlight and it will continue to be so. I just loved every second of it.
"This wonderful woman [Jowita] has helped me grow and to become a dancer that I didn't think I could be. All credit goes to Jowita. Monday is going to be weird. I'm moving house, so I've now got time to move house, so plus sides."
Przystał stated: "I had the best time ever, I need to say thank you for always showing up, giving 100%, going out of your comfort zone, taking it all aboard, trying your best, and keeping up with my horrible singing every day.
"What I wanted to say to everyone is you are such a kind and beautiful soul. Your aura shines so bright and I absolutely adore you. When I met you, I thought about one thing and I was right, your heart is made of gold. Thank you so much."
Final Words on Strictly: Lights Up
After dancing for one final time, Robb appeared on Strictly Come Dancing: Lights Up. Speaking to Tyler West moments after being sent home, he said he 'can't really put into words what it means'.
"I'll echo what I said earlier, it's such an amazing family. The pros are nothing short of remarkable, the celebs this year are nothing short of remarkable. I like to think I can include myself in that bracket.
"I always said never to be too restrictive with my time here, when the time comes, the time comes. Last week I thought I was on borrowed time. I thought I danced better this week, but in the dance off, I gave the judges ammunition to send me home, which is fine… It's magic, this place, I will truly miss it," he said.
