Strictly Come Dancing: The first elimination of the series is revealed!

James Cracknell OBE is the first celebrity to depart Strictly Come Dancing 2019

The first public vote of this series saw David James vs James Cracknell in the dreaded dance off.

Both couples performed their routines again; James and his dance partner Luba performed their jive to Tutti Fruitti by Little Richard; and David and Nadiya performed their Paso Doble to Spanish Gypsy by Espana Cani in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition.

After both danced again the judges gave their verdicts with David being a clear faveourite to stay in the competion.

Motsi Mabuse chose to save David and Nadiya saying: “I felt a stronger performance, a stronger intention, clearer actions. I’m going to save David.”

Luba was asked if she had any words for James and said: “I would like to say a huge thank you with all my heart to make this journey so amazing. You inspired me every day and I hope you inspire many more other people to start dancing.”

When asked by Tess about her time on the show, James said:

“Definitely enjoyed the last three days of the last week as I got to grips with the steps and started to enjoy it. I’m enjoying it anyway, the luxury of being with someone so good and learning off them. I’m a way better dancer than I was two weeks ago. Luba’s been amazing with being so patient with a couple of left feet.

Sunday’s Results show also featured a flamenco-inspired routine set on the rooftops of Barcelona from our sensational professional dancers, plus a musical performance from chart-topping singer and songwriter Lewis Capaldi who performed his number one hit single, Someone You Loved.

The remaining fourteen couples will take to the dancefloor next week in a spectacular Movie Special, when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 5th October at 7.10pm with the results show on Sunday 6th October at 7.15pm on BBC One.

James and Luba will be joining Zoe Ball for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Monday 30th September at 5.15pm on BBC One.

Also on the show this week are:

Monday – Chris & Karen, Emma & Anton;
Tuesday – David & Nadiya, Michelle & Giovanni, Mike & Katya, Kelvin & Oti;
Wednesday – Will & Janette, Alex & Neil, Dev & Dianne;
Thursday – Emma & Aljaz, Saffron & AJ, Catherine & Johannes;
Friday – Anneka & Kevin, Karim & Amy.