Dev Griffin has been axed from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 34-year-old radio presenter and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were sent home from the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition during Sunday’s (13.10.19) results show, as they failed to impress the voting public with their cha cha, which they danced to ‘Dancing with a Stranger’ by Sam Smith and Normani Kordei.
Dev and Dianne found themselves in the dreaded dance-off alongside Viscountess Emma Weymouth and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who performed a jive to ‘Kids In America’ by Kim Wilde.
After performing their dances again, all four judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli, and head judge Shirley Ballas – voted to save Emma and Aljaz, meaning Dev and Dianne were sent packing.
Craig said of Emma and Aljaz’s performance: "They were the couple that really shone for me in this dance off. They came to life and went the extra mile."
Whilst Motsi added: "Particularly in the dance off, Emma and Aljaž were the couple that looked more rehearsed and on top of it."
And Bruno said: "Emma and Aljaž were the couple that showed no mistakes. They were stronger, cleaner and focused."
Dev – who presents the weekend afternoon show on BBC Radio 1 – is "gutted" to be leaving the show so early, but has "absolutely loved" learning to dance.
He told host Tess Daly after the result was revealed: "I’m not going to lie I am absolutely gutted, but learning how to dance, hanging out with Dianne and the other pros and celebs … I’ve absolutely loved it."
And his partner Dianne praised his "insane" work ethic.
She said: "Dev has been absolutely amazing. His work ethic is insane. I see him everywhere practising and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Thank you so much for all your time and your effort. This boy has so much talent, I’m really sad he won’t be able to show you guys any more of it."
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ will return on Saturday (19.10.19) on BBC One.