Jonnie Peacock is the eighth celebrity to be eliminated from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ this year.
The Paralympic gold medallist and his professional partner Oti Mabuse faced entertainer Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice in the dance off on Sunday (19.11.17) after both couples scored the lowest on the Blackpool episode of the show on Saturday (18.11.17).
Jonnie and Oti performed their Tango to ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics in a bid to impress the judges and remain in the competition, while Debbie and Giovanni did their Samba to a Spice Girls Medley (‘Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are?’).
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Debbie and Giovanni, saying: "For technical cleanliness and outstanding performance skill I am going to save Debbie and Giovanni."
Darcey Bussell also opted for Debbie and Giovanni, explaining: "It’s very difficult because both couples made such improvements tonight but the couple I would like to save just on giving a technically more competent performance is Debbie and Giovanni."
And they were Bruno’s choice too as he said: "Let me say, they both did great jobs, great performances, very different, very effective but I have to save the couple who I think overall is much stronger and for that reason I save Debbie and Giovanni."
Head Judge Shirley Ballas revealed that she agreed with her fellow judges.
When asked by co-host Tess Daly if he had enjoyed his time on the show, Jonnie said: "Massively. I think it’s been an absolute honour to be the first disabled person and I want to thank each and every one of you for judging me as an equal. That’s what I want. You’ve been critical with me and I want that criticism; and I think that’s fantastic and hope it paves the way for more people to come through and I think they may be able to stick their bum under a bit better than me. I need to say an absolutely gigantic thank you to this woman for pushing me because she knows what I’m capable of. Her choreography has been has been outstanding, and for putting up with me, pinching me, biting me – thank you so much."
Oti added: "This has been one of the most life changing things that could ever happen to me. Jonnie is not only an inspiration but he represents so much more. If anybody wants to do anything, if you put your mind to it then you can achieve it and that’s what he represents."
Sunday’s results show also featured a Northern Soul group performance including the celebrities and professional dancers and two musical acts; Michael Ball and Alfie Boe and Tears for Fears.
Jonnie Peacock eliminated from Strictly
