Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał were voted out of Strictly Come Dancing during Halloween week, marking the first time a three-way dance-off decided the result. The judges voted for who they wanted to leave the show rather than who should stay.
The dance-off featured actor Lawrence Robb alongside actresses Jaime Winstone and Bethany Antonia, who faced elimination after receiving the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes. The judges ultimately chose to send Lawrence and Jowita home.
Lawrence's Emotional Farewell
Speaking after his exit, Lawrence 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."
Following their exit, professional dancer Jowita paid tribute to her partner on Instagram, sharing: "You are such a beautiful human being, inside and out. Everything I said last night, I meant from the bottom of my heart. It has been such a privilege to watch you grow day by day, see you improve, and most importantly, see you enjoy yourself."
She added: "I hope this experience has taught you not only how to dance, but also just how amazing, brave and special you are. I hope you now know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The world is your oyster, as they say! Thank you for all the laughs, tears, songs and stories we’ve shared over these past seven weeks. Thank you for allowing me to be a little part of your story. Adore you!"
Viewers React to the New Format
Viewers took to X to share their thoughts on the three-way dance-off, with many saying it should be scrapped. One said: "I seriously don’t think the much hyped (by Strictly bosses) historic triple dance-off is something they’ll be wanting to shout about in the future: a total disaaaaster (darling) and added nothing to the show - and traumatised the contestants."
Another commented: "Gutted for #LawrenceRobb(ed) & #JowitaPrzystał #Strictly Will miss them. Lawrence is a beautiful person inside & out. Will miss his smile & presence so much! The 3-way dance-off was not a good idea & doubt Lawita would've been bottom 2."
A third shared: "What was the point of having three couples in the dance-off? Still only one voted out. Maybe the show needed padding out with an extra dance." A fourth added: "I'm heartbroken for him because Lawrence was by no means the worst dancer - he was improving every week and I loved his partnership with Jowita. Sadly, I think the theme of the dance did him no favours and his height difference with Jowita didn't help in this dance despite the improvement."
They continued: "I think Lawrence knew he made a mistake, hence his expression during the Results here - what a heartbreaking result. Well done, Lawrence you were brilliant! I hope that we never have a 3-way dance-off again but the fact that Lawrence is the only victim of this twist so far is so sad. The judges had it in for him since Day 1 and he deserved better imo."
A final fan observed: "I have to wonder if the three-way dance-off was to test a new format to freshen up the show in an attempt to boost viewing #Strictly."
Others felt it was right for Lawrence to leave the competition, with one saying: "As much as I loved Lawrence and Jowita as a partnership I think tonight was the right result. Lawrence was improving but he's naturally not suited to ballroom due to the major height difference. I also think Ghostbusters was a horrendous song choice for a Tango."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.
