Bethany Antonia has received an outpouring of love and support after speaking emotionally about her exit from Strictly Come Dancing, a decision that appears to have divided viewers.
The Game of Thrones actress and her dance partner Nancy Xu faced the dance-off for the third time during Sunday's (November 8) results show, competing against Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby for a place in the BBC One contest.
Both couples performed their routines again for the judges. Bethany and Nancy danced their Foxtrot to Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love, while Cach and Maddie performed their Waltz to That Ain't You by Mulaa Joans.
Judges split over who to save
Anton Du Beke chose to save Cach and Maddie, praising their dance-off performance, while Craig Revel Horwood backed Bethany and Nancy. Motsi Mabuse also voted to keep the actress in the competition, leaving head judge Shirley Ballas with the casting vote, which she used to save Cach and Maddie, eliminating Bethany and Nancy.
Speaking to host Emma Willis after the result, Bethany said: "To go out on this dance and to feel the magic of getting to do that kind of routine and what it means and what it stands for just means everything to me." Turning to Nancy, she added: "You have brought out a side of me that I didn't think I would ever get to see. I'm gonna miss you so much. I am so grateful for everything you've taught me."
Bethany's emotional tribute to Nancy
Bethany also shared a video on social media of her and Nancy's final time in the training room together. In the accompanying post, she wrote: "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 foxtrot 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 continued: "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."
The House of the Dragon star added: "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."
Support from fellow contestants
She was quickly flooded with messages from her Strictly co-stars. Host Josh Widdicombe said: "Will miss you so much mate, you were so brilliant on the show." Pro Carlos Gu replied: "You will be missed so bad darling! Loved watching you and Xu!!!!!" while Dianne Buswell gushed: "Love you girls so much. You should be so so proud."
Fellow contestant John Nellis commented: "Will miss seeing you next weekend, but our mum's are best friends now, so we'll no doubt cross paths very soon," while Jaime Winstone, who was unable to perform in week seven due to injury, added: "Love you so much Bethany."
