David James believes he was "punished in the scoring" on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ when he had too much fun on the dancefloor.
The former England footballer and his partner Nadiya Bychkova were eliminated from the BBC Latin and ballroom show last weekend following a dance-off against Mike Bushell and Katya Jones – and after scoring just 16 out of 40 for their jive – and David admits the mistakes came when he had a smile on his face.
He said: "There was one area with one step that was problematic. It came out in the live show, and even a little bit in the dance-off.
"But I loved [the dance]. Through the whole show and the experience, the one thing that has been really challenging is the fact that I was supposed to enjoy it. And when I enjoy it, I make mistakes. And when I make mistakes, I get punished in the scoring."
David also praised his pro partner for her "dedication" throughout their routines and rehearsals.
Summing up his ‘Strictly’ journey, he said: "It’s been amazing. Nadiya’s dedication and how much this meant to her as well meant more to me.
"It wasn’t just a pro with a celeb."
Nadiya also insisted celeb contestants like David are "what the show is about".
Speaking in a joint interview on ‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two’, she said: "On Saturday night he enjoyed it and when we had to do a dance-off I think he enjoyed it even more.
"I think that’s what this show is about.
"To have someone who never danced before, and never thought he’d be enjoying the dancing.
"And then he tells me, ‘I loved it, I loved this dance.’ "
David James ‘punished in Strictly scoring’ for enjoying dances
