Kevin Clifton has heaped praise on Anneka Rice for dancing with "her heart" after they were booted out of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 61-year-old star became the second celebrity to leave the BBC One Latin and ballroom show on Sunday (06.10.19) as her ‘Kill Bill’ themed Charleston failed to impress the public or the judges.
Speaking after her exit, Anneka told host Tess Daly: "To be honest, I’d have saved David & Nadiya. I’ve just loved this whole thing; I’ve not one negative about the whole experience. We’ve worked really hard, I’m covered in bruises. I love this man; it’s been a joy to have that honour, that privilege of learning to dance. It’s a whole new world to me Tess. I love all that gang up there! Now I’ve got 11 and a half (dance) moves! My son is getting married next year, I’m determined to be able to shuffle onto the dance floor and not do my usual thing of handing out the canapes."
Whilst her dancer partner Kevin added: "You’ve put in so much commitment and so much effort. We worked about four hours on one step on that charleston and you delivered that waltz last week… then to come out and deliver that charleston – the improvement you’ve made, I’m so proud of you, it’s been an absolute joy."
The professional dancer has since thanked Anneka for her hard work and admitted he had a "lovely" time during their short stint on the show.
He tweeted: "Thank u @AnnekaRice for a lovely few weeks. You worked so hard and in a short space of time started dancing with your heart.
"Good luck to all the other contestants. Its going to be a cracking @bbcstrictly series (sic)"
Kevin’s girlfriend Stacey Dooley – whom he won last year’s series with – also took to her Instagram Stories to share how "proud" she was of her beau and Anneka and said it’s important to show support even when your partner isn’t performing as well.
She said: "Kev and Anneka got knocked out this weekend and I just want to say I am so proud of both of them and especially Kevin because I just think he is the most incredible teacher."
She added: "I think she was lucky to be with him.
"She did that beautiful waltz, its very easy to be proud of someone when you are winning and flying high and its all going brilliantly but its also very important to tell them they are wicked when they get knocked out..so yes..well done!"
Anneka found herself in the dance off alongside David James and his partner Nadiya Bychkova.
However, all four judges – Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood – opted to save David.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ returns on Saturday (12.10.19).
Kevin Clifton heaps praise on Anneka Rice after Strictly Come Dancing exit
