PAUL MERSON ELIMINATED FROM STRICTLY COME DANCING

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer have left the competition following a dance off against JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE during the fourth results show of the series. 

Both couples performed their routines again; Paul and his partner Karen performed their Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce. Then, JB and his partner Amy performed their Jive to Hey Ya! by Outkast.  

After both couples had danced for a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts: Craig Revel Horwood chose to save JB and Amy. Motsi Mabuse chose to save JB and Amy. Anton Du Beke chose to save JB and Amy.   

With three votes in favour of JB and Amy, they won the majority vote meaning that Paul and Karen would be leaving the competition. Head Judge Shirley Ballas also agreed and said she would have decided to save JB and Amy. 

When asked by Tess about their time on the show, Paul said: “It's been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show. It's amazing - everybody. There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he's nice! It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher.  

“She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn't wish for a better coach. I’ve loved every minute of it. I can dance now -  I've won because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus.” 

Karen said: “Absolutely, you've been a joy. I've never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved. You're what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles.” 

Sunday’s results show also features a routine from our fabulous professional dancers, as Nancy Xu and Dianne Buswell take centre stage in a passionate Paso Doble. Choreographed by Oti Mabuse, the number is set at a cantina in the heat of an arid highway somewhere in the Southern states to Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by Santa Esmeralda. Plus a show stopping musical performance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor singing her new single Freedom Of The Night. 

The remaining 11 couples will take to the dancefloor next week in a spook-tacular Halloween Special when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 26th October at 18:25 with the results show on Sunday 27th October at 19:20 on BBC One and iPlayer.