Zara McDermott has become the fifth contestant eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The documentary maker and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima found themselves in the dreaded dance-off for the third time tonight, after coming bottom on last night’s Halloween Special with a score of 25 out of 40 for their Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and His Orchestra. They faced actor Adam Thomas and his partner Luba Mushtuk, who received 32 points for their American Smooth to ‘Magic Moments’ by Perry Como.
After both couples performed their routines again, presenter Tess Daly asked the judges who they wanted to save. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Adam and Luba, meaning sadly Zara and Graziano were knocked out of the competition. Head judge Shirley Ballas was not required to vote, but said she would also have saved Adam and Luba.
When asked by Tess about her time on the show, Zara said: “I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.
“My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.”
Tess then asked Graziano if he had any words for his partner. He said: “She has been great for me 8:00am till 9:00pm. Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.”
The results show opened with a Wednesday Addams inspired routine from Strictly’s professional dancer, and there was also a special performance from music legend Rick Astley with his new single ‘Forever and More’.
The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 4th November at 7:05pm, with the results show on Sunday 5th November at 7:20pm on BBC One.
Zara and Graziano will be joining Fleur East for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly It Takes Two on Monday 30th October at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
