Laura Whitmore has been given the boot from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 31-year-old presenter has become the seventh contestant to leave the ballroom and latin competition after she and her partner Giovanni Pernice failed to impress the judges with their Samba to ‘Bamboleo’ by Gipsy Kings in the dance-off against Ore Oduba on Sunday (06.11.16).
When host Tess Daly asked Laura whether the reality had lived up to her expectations, she said: "Just being here, the judges, behind the scenes. I don’t think anyone realises how much goes on here, the make-up, the costume, everything and just to be part of that for a little while is amazing. And if I’m going to go against anyone then, Ore, I mean… I’m ok."
Her partner Giovanni said of the blonde beauty: "I would like to say again thank you for being such a great partner, an amazing person to work with, you teach me a lot and I will never ever forget this journey."
Although she was one of the favourites to win the series last month, Laura slipped down the leaderboard in Saturday (05.11.16) night’s show after she accidentally put a step wrong in their fast-paced Samba routine.
However, although it was a shock to see the Irish presenter in the bottom two, fans were no doubt even more surprised to see broadcaster Ore in the same position.
The BBC sports journalist – who has been one of the front runners since the series began in September – and his partner Joanne Clifton dropped jaws with their Salsa to ‘Turn The Beat Around’ by Vicki Sue Robinson.
Once both pairs had performed for the second time, the judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood all decided to save the handsome presenter and his blonde partner.
Craig said: "One couple danced the best I’ve ever seen them dance and I think was probably their personal best; but for me, the dance of the night and who I would like to save was Ore and Joanne."
Darcey added: "I think both couples danced exceptionally well tonight and it makes it very difficult but I’d like to save the couple that I believe and know performed their best, a finished performance, was Ore and Joanne."
Bruno concluded: "First off, let me say this wasn’t a dance off, it was a dance treat. You both danced with such vibrancy, energy and entertainment value, it’s like splitting hairs here. We didn’t put you there, if you didn’t vote, don’t moan. But I have to pick one out of the two that in a way outshone everyone else, and that couple was Ore and Joanne."
Laura’s elimination comes just two weeks after she was forced to pull out of the live show because she’d badly hurt her ankle during training.
However, after doctors gave her an immediate pass through to last week, Laura impressed the panel with her Halloween-themed dance and found herself at the top of the leaderboard with gymnast Claudia Fragapane.
Laura Whitmore gets Strictly Come Dancing boot
