Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia broke down in tears during an appearance on It Takes Two as she reflected on her exit from the BBC competition. The Game of Thrones actress and her dance partner Nancy Xu were eliminated after facing Love Island's Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby in the dance-off.
Split Decision and Emotional Farewell
After performing their Foxtrot to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis once again, the judges were split, with head judge Shirley Ballas choosing to save Cach and Maddie. Following the announcement, Bethany thanked Nancy, saying: "To go out on this dance and to feel the magic of getting to do that kind of routine... just means everything to me." She added: "You have brought out a side of me that I didn't think I would ever get to see."
In an emotional interview with new host Ellie Taylor, Bethany shared: "I just loved it so much, and that routine, for that to be the one that we went out on just meant so much to me. I'm going to remember that night forever." She went on: "I feel like it's brought out so many different parts of me that I didn't even expect to find in such a short time. It's just been a proper experience."
Nancy Xu Reflects on Their Partnership
Nancy added: "I feel like I'm dancing with someone who felt exactly the emotions with me, who felt exactly the energy, we created this memory together." As Ellie moved the conversation to the split vote and the judges' decision, recalling Craig Revel Horwood's 'annoyance' that he didn't get the casting vote, Bethany quipped: "Same! You and me both!"
"That must be hard to swallow when you know he was so supportive," Ellie said, as Bethany remarked: "It just goes to show that it could have gone either way, him and Motsi Mabuse were both so lovely and supportive to us, through all of our dances." She added: "I absolutely loved the ballroom. I just knew, when we started with that Quick Step, straight away, ballroom was my favourite. So to get to do this, it felt even more special, I just loved it."
Bittersweet Reflection and Tour Reunion
Bethany continued by looking back on her high scores throughout Strictly, saying: "It makes it bittersweet because we did all we could do and it wasn't quite enough to get the public on side but it did mean that we had so much fun and we could celebrate every week." As It Takes Two aired a montage of her seven weeks on Strictly, Bethany was left in tears. "These are happy tears," she said, paying tribute to her dance partner and other Strictly co-stars. She added: "Everyone's joy and getting to learn a new skill with my newfound bestie, just the whole thing."
As the interview came to an end, Bethany confirmed she'd be reuniting with Nancy for the Strictly tour, saying: "That's the little bit of icing on the cake this week, we get to do it again!"
Social Media Tribute
Following her exit, Bethany took to social media to pay tribute to her dance partner, with a video of them during their final rehearsal. She said: "And just like that our @bbcstrictly journey has come to an end. At the end of our final rehearsal last week, Nancy and I danced our foxtot in sweet celebratory silence to @gibranalbo Idea 15. We had no idea this would be our final time in the rehearsal room together, the emotions this moment would enliven, or how perfectly it would fit to this beautiful piece, and it is a moment I will treasure forever."
She added: "Being given the opportunity to celebrate same-sex partnerships in dancing, a commitment to courage, and embracing change has been truly joyful and I can't thank everyone enough for the amount of love and support we received. Nancy, getting to do this by your side has been a dream come true. Your commitment, and unwavering faith is second to none and I wish the world could be so lucky as to know the person I've been so privileged to spend the last 3 months with. Being given the chance to learn from a true master of her craft, has been an honour. Thank you for giving me the experience of a lifetime."
She concluded: "The end of the most surreal, unbelievably special chapter. Boogying every week alongside the most kind, inspiring bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a space with and being looked after by a bunch of superhumans. I love you all, so much. To the whole team at #strictly, THANK YOU."
She was showered in support from her followers and fellow Strictly stars, as Carlos Gu wrote: "You've come so far, and u love the energy you guys created, simply pure and real. Thank you for taking part of this show, honestly is our honour. Xx." He added: "You will be missed so bad darling! Loved watching you and Xu!!!!!" Presenter Josh Widdicombe said: "Will miss you so much mate, you were so brilliant on the show," while Amy Dowden added: "So much love to you both xxx." John Nellis also wrote: "Will miss seeing you next weekend, but our mum's are best friends now, so we'll no doubt cross paths very soon," as Dame Sarah Storey said: "What an amazing lady you are. Absolutely loved sharing this incredible show with you."
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two airs weeknights from 6.30pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
