Who left Strictly Come Dancing 2022? Second celebrity to be voted out revealed

First Richie and his dance partner Giovanni Pernice performed their Samba to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King. Then, Fleur East and her dance partner Vito Coppola performed their American Smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid, in a bid to impress the judging panel, including Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

After their performances, it was time for the judges to decide who they want to keep in the competition and who would be going home.

Craig chose to save Fleur and Vito, saying: "I would like to save the most accomplished technician and that is Fleur and Vito."

Motsi also opted for Fleur, adding: "I think it’s heart-breaking actually because I think both of you do not deserve to be here but this is how the public voted and based on this dance off I’m going to save Fleur and Vito."

Agreeing with the others, Anton said: "Well I thought that was a well danced dance off. I thought both couples performed well, I thought one couple was a bit more sure footed about their performance and had a slightly better level of artistry about what they were doing, so the couple I would like to save is Fleur and Vito.”

With three votes, it meant Fleur had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless, however Head Judge Shirley Ballas said she would have decided to save Richie and Giovanni.

"Well with the two couples the public put in the bottom two I would have saved Richie and Giovanni," Shirley explained.

Speaking about his Strictly experience, Richie said: "Do you know what as a strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of , and being here it really is and it’s not just the people that you see on camera, the judges, and you and Claud and the amazing people that I’ve got to meet on this show. The people behind the scenes in hair, make up, costume, Tasha our runner, Stef, Jas, everybody. I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and i feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day. Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience, I love you so much.”

On Saturday night's show, Richie finished in eighth place on the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard with just 27 points.

"Overall I would probably have to say this is one your best numbers so far," Shirley said after the performance.

"I thought it was absolutely wonderful," Anton added.

However Craig wasn't too pleased, saying Richie's performance lacked "fluidity."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturdays and Sundays.

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