In one of the most emotionally charged episodes of this series, Strictly Come Dancing's Week Six delivered shock eliminations and heroic performances that left both judges and viewers reaching for the tissues.
The Injury That Threatened a Dream
Adam Thomas, best known for his roles in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale, revealed he's been dancing through excruciating pain after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The actor shared his emotional struggle during Saturday's show, confessing he'd been hiding the condition from everyone except his professional partner Luba Mushtuk.
"I've been in a lot of pain this week," Thomas admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on Tuesday. It's been tough, but I'm not one to complain."
Judges' Praise Through the Pain
Despite his physical challenges, Thomas and Mushtuk delivered a stunning American Smooth to John Legend's "All of Me" that earned them 31 points and kept them safely in the competition. Head Judge Shirley Ballas commended his "beautiful lines and wonderful footwork," while Craig Revel Horwood noted significant improvement in his performance.
The Shock Elimination
In a dramatic Sunday results show that left the studio audience gasping, Angela Scanlon and her professional partner Carlos Gu found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley. Despite both couples giving their all, the judges unanimously voted to save Guru-Murthy, sending the Irish presenter home.
"I'm honestly heartbroken," Scanlon told host Tess Daly. "This has been the most incredible experience. Carlos, you're a wizard and I love you dearly."
Blackpool Beckons
The remaining eight couples now set their sights on the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, with the competition heating up as dancers dream of performing on Strictly's most hallowed floor. With Thomas determined to dance through his pain and the leaderboard tighter than ever, next week's special promises to be unmissable television.
As the competition reaches its crucial midpoint, the question on everyone's lips: who will shine under the Blackpool lights, and whose Strictly journey will end beneath the famous glitterball?
