Strictly Come Dancing fans have been sharing the same verdict after Dame Sarah Storey and professional dancer Julian Caillon became the third couple eliminated from the 2026 series.
The Paralympic champion, from Manchester, was voted off after she and Julian landed in the dance-off during Sunday's (October 18) results show, following the BBC One programme's Icons Week special on Saturday night (October 17).
Dance-off Defeat
Sarah and Julian failed to impress the judges with a tango to That Don't Impress Me Much by Shania Twain, scoring 21 out of a possible 40 from Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
They faced House Of The Dragon actress Bethany Antonia and her partner Nancy Xu, who placed third from the bottom after scoring 27 for their cha cha to Respect by Aretha Franklin. After both couples performed again, the judges chose to send Dame Sarah – Great Britain's most successful Paralympian with 30 medals, including 19 golds at eight games – home.
Fans React to Julian's Early Exit
Speaking after the result, Sarah paid tribute to her partner. She said: "I've had the most amazing teacher, which has been the biggest blessing. Getting to learn different dances is something I never have done or thought I could do, so I'm really proud to have had a few weeks learning from this incredible chap and I've enjoyed every minute of it."
While Strictly fans were 'gutted' to see Sarah go, they were also upset on Julian's behalf after he made his pro dancer debut during last year's series, where he reached the final four with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal.
@orbitergrace said: "Definitely the correct choice from this particular dance off but i am so sad to see julian go so early bc he's quickly become a favourite male pro of mine #strictly." @holdontoyou13 commented: "I feel so sorry for both couples of this dance off and I just hate that Julian and Sarah will go already, I really liked them #Strictly."
@BeckyTheStan wrote: "Awww Julian is out, one of my fave pros. Sad to see him and Sarah go #Strictly." @RyanSoapKing25 posted: "Poor Julian feels so sad to see one of last year's new pros going home, especially after how far he took Bal last year #Strictly." @PariPuri_ added: "I'm going to miss Julian so much on my screen each week. He's one of my fave pros. Next year next year Julian for the finals pls #Strictly."
