Tyler West has become the latest celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing following his performance in Blackpool.
The BBC dancing competition made a triumphant return to the seaside town’s prestigious Tower Ballroom for the first time since 2019 after a break due to the pandemic.
Following his salsa on Saturday, the Kiss FM DJ found himself in the dance-off alongside his Strictly professional partner Dianne Buswell.
The couple went head-to-head with Britain's Got Talent star Molly Rainford and her pro dancer Carlos Gu.
Tyler and Dianne voted off Strictly Come Dancing during Blackpool week
On Saturday night's show, Tyler and Dianne scored an impressive 35 out of 40 for their original dance to Megamix by KC and The Sunshine Band.
The salsa featured the pair performing challenging lifts while Tyler donned an afro wig and flared trousers.
Meanwhile, Molly and Carlos also achieved an amazing 35 points for their energetic jive.
The dancing duo performed their jive to the song Bandstand Boogie by Barry Manilow.
Once both couples had danced for the second time, the judges voted for who they wanted to save and bring into the next week of the contest.
Three out of the four judges chose to save Molly which sadly meant that Tyler and Dianne were booted from the ballroom.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly scores and leaderboard for week nine at Blackpool
READ MORE: Helen Skelton gets standing ovation on BBC Strictly in Blackpool show
After the dance-off routines, Craig Revel Horwood noted that he felt both couples danced “so much better”.
The notoriously difficult-to-please judge also added that for the first time this series he was finding it difficult to choose before he finally opted to save Molly and Carlos.
Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse also agreed that the second performances were better.
In the end, Motsi also voted for Molly and Carlos due to their technique styles and presentation.
Before giving his decision, Anton Du Beke praised the pairs, telling the couples that either of them could have “easily made the final”.
Anton disagreed with his fellow judge, choosing to save Tyler and Dianne since he felt their performance was “more dynamic”.
In the end, the deciding vote was with Head judge Shirley Ballas.
Shirley commented: “This is probably one of the most difficult dance-offs that we’ve ever had to choose”.
She ultimately chose to save Molly and Carlos, adding: “Both couples were outstanding, both improved their performances but I am going to go with what I believe in, and that is a quality of movement and precision in partnering.”
The elimination follows last weekend's results show when Tyler also found himself in the dance-off.
However, the DJ was given a free pass through to Blackpool week after former England footballer Tony Adams was forced to withdraw with an injury.
Tyler West reflects on BBC Strictly experience as DJ exits show
Tyler reflected on his time on the show and dancing with his partner Dianne, he said: “I’m more than a two-step now! When you watch the show at home, you wonder what it must be like to dance on it, it’s everything and more, it’s changed my life.
“This girl here has changed my life, for sure. To think I was some shy kid who never used to talk to anyone, to dancing in front of millions, I can’t put it into words.
READ MORE: Strictly fans left gutted as spoiler 'leaks' Blackpool special results
READ MORE: Fleur East scores first perfect 40 score on Strictly Blackpool special
“It’s my mum’s favourite show, I bought her to Blackpool, my nan, bless her, was always watching over me on this journey.
“But, more importantly, this show has changed my life in the sense it’s given me confidence, a new-found family, every dancer, everyone in hair and make-up, costume.
“The judges, it’s been amazing to dance in front of you every week, I genuinely mean that.
Addressing his Strictly pro partner Dianne, he added: “This girl here, I have been blessed with the best, she is what Strictly is about and she’s changed my life, I have no doubt she will be in in my life forever.”
Dianne also had nothing but praise for Tyler, explaining that he was an “absolute joy to work with”.
She added: “You have come in every single session with the biggest smile on your face and it lights up this whole ballroom.
“You are such a talent, you really are, and you should feel so proud, I am so proud of you, your family are so proud and your nan is so proud of you. Thank you so much for everything.”
Sunday’s results show also featured a special musical performance from the UK's 2022 Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder.
Ryder sang John Farnham’s You’re the Voice alongside all of the Strictly professionals in an elegant ballroom number.
Later in the Results show, the Spaceman singer performed his latest single, All the Way Over.
Who is left on Strictly Come Dancing? See the celebs still on the BBC show
The remaining seven couples will take to the dancefloor next week.
- Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
- Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
- Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
- Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
- Fleur East and Vito Coppola
- Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
- Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 26 at 7.15pm, with the results show on Sunday November 27 at 6pm on BBC One.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here