Strictly judge calls out ‘heart-wrenching’ result as Richie Anderson is eliminated from BBC show
‘Both of you do not deserve to be here,’ Motsi Mabuse said
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Strictly judge Motsi Mabusi described the BBC show’s latest result as “heart-wrenching”
In Sunday night’s episode (9 October), Richie Anderson and Fleur East were announced to have received the least votes.
After the dreaded dance off, the judges opted to save East, meaning Anderson was the second celebrity to be eliminated from the 2022 series.
Anderson was partnered with Giovanni Pernice, who won last year’s series with Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood all opted to save East. However, Shirley Ballas, who ishead judge, revealed she would have sent her home should she have had the casting vote.
Speaking while casting her vote, Mabuse said: “I think it’s heartbreaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here but this is how the public voted and based on this dance off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito.”
Speaking about his time on the show, Anderson said: “Do you know what? As a Strictly fan, I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of and being here, it really is.”
He praised Pernice, calling him “a fantastic guy”. Pernice replied: “I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing. You really are a superfan. And I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you.
He said it was “a shame it’s been too short”.
Anderson is best known for presenting the weekday travel bulletin on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball. In May, he covered the Eurovision Song Contest from Turin, Italy for the station.
The result leaked ahead of the episode’s broadcast, with many expressing shock at Anderson’s early exit from the series on social media.
Strictly continues Saturday 15 October at 6.30pm on BBC One.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments