David James has been axed from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The former England goalie and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova were sent home from the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition during Sunday’s (20.10.19) results show, as they failed to impress the voting public and judges with their Jive to ‘Such a Night’ by Michael Bublé.
All of the judges agreed that Mike Bushell and Katya Jones’ Salsa to ‘Jump On It’ to The Sugar Hill Gang was a stronger performance after both couples performed their numbers again in the dance-off.
Craig Revel Horwood said: "Well for me both couples were pretty much technically equal but the couple who I’d like to save were the most confident performers and that was Mike And Katya."
Motsi Mabuse said: "Well I felt that one couple gave me a better performance than I saw the first time so I’m going to save Mike and Katya."
Alfonso Ribeiro – who stepped in for Bruno Tonioli this weekend – said that whilst sports presenter Mike lacked technique, the pair did put on a "showstopper".
He said: "The couple who I’m going to save put on a great show. The technique wasn’t there but they came out and delivered a showstopper for the audience to love so I’m going to save Mike And Katya."
And head judge Shirley Ballas agreed: "Yes I would have saved Mike and Katya."
David admitted that he felt like he had let Nadiya down but said he has "enjoyed" every moment.
When asked about his time on the show by co-host Tess Daly, he said: "Oh I’ve loved it. I feel so bad I’ve let Nadiya down in a sense."
The remaining 11 couples will take to the dancefloor next week when ‘Strictly’ returns on Saturday 26th October at 6.35pm with the results show on Sunday 27th October at 7.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.