James Cracknell is the first celebrity to be eliminated from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2019.
The 47-year-old rowing champion – who was awarded an OBE in 2005 for his services to sport – was booted out of the BBC One competition on Sunday (29.09.19) after losing the dance-off.
James and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk performed their jive to ‘Tutti Fruitti’ by Little Richard but it was no match for David James and Nadiya Bychkova’s Paso Doble, which was performed to ‘Spanish Gypsy’ by Espana Cani.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Bruno Tonioli all chose to save David and Nadiya.
Craig said: "Well for me in that dance off one couple improved beyond compare and that couple is the couple I would like to save, David and Nadiya."
Motsi said: "I felt a stronger performance, a stronger intention, clearer actions. I’m going to save David."
And Bruno added: "I have to save the couple that really showed to me how you apply and you work on the comments of the judges and deliver a performance that is almost night and day from one day to the other. David and Nadiya
Head Judge Shirley Ballas also revealed she would also have chosen to save David and Nadiya.
When asked by Tess Daly about his time on the show, James said: "I definitely enjoyed the last three days of the last week as I got to grips with the steps and started to enjoy it. I’m enjoying it anyway, the luxury of being with someone so good and learning off them. I’m a way better dancer than I was two weeks ago. Luba’s been amazing with being so patient with a couple of left feet."
Luba added: "I would like to say a huge thank you with all my heart to make this journey so amazing. You inspired me every day and I hope you inspire many more other people to start dancing."
Sunday’s results show also featured a flamenco-inspired routine set on the rooftops of Barcelona, plus a musical performance from Lewis Capaldi who performed his number one single, ‘Someone You Loved’.
The remaining fourteen couples will take to the dancefloor next week for a Movie Special.
James Cracknell eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing
