Laura Whitmore "knew" she would be leaving ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ when she faced the dance-off with Ore Oduba.
The 31-year-old television presenter and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice found themselves in the bottom two during the results show of the dancing competition, and were sent home by the judging panel after their samba failed to compete with the BBC Sports presenter’s salsa.
However, Laura – who previously missed a week of dancing when she injured her ankle during training – says she knew she would be going home when she danced against the 29-year-old star, and has urged him to "go and win this thing".
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Laura said: "I knew when I was in the dance off with Ore. Ore has been my friend since day number one, I’ve told him he better go and win this thing now because in my head I can pretend I was second but he’s wonderful.
"They [the judges] gave me great comments and I think I’ve done myself proud and I’ve worked really hard. Two weeks ago I couldn’t walk because I’d injured myself and to be able to come back here for two weeks has been lovely."
And the former ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW!’ presenter also admitted that whilst she found it "upsetting" to leave the competition, she has "really enjoyed" her time on the show.
She said: "It’s upsetting to leave, ‘Strictly…’ is a family but you know it’s not a funeral.
"I will stay in contact with all these people. It’s such a great opportunity to be part of this and make so many friends and I’ve really enjoyed my time with Giovanni and learning so much.
"It was kind of like being back at school again which was really nice and refreshing, it’s been brilliant and to even get this far, I’m so proud of myself."
The judges’ vote on Sunday (06.11.16) was unanimous, with Craig Revel Horwood, Darcy Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli all voting to save Ore and his professional partner Joanne Clifton.
Laura Whitmore: I knew I was leaving Strictly Come Dancing
