Greg Rutherford and Natalie Lowe become the ninth couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing
It was a battle of the Olympians in the dance-off as the long jumper took on gymnast Claudia Fragapane
GREG Rutherford’s Blackpool dreams came crashing down around him on Sunday night when he became the ninth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
The gold medallist faced fellow Olympian Claudia Fragapane in the dreaded dance off, despite both couples achieving respectable scores on Saturday night during the live extravaganza from the Tower Ballroom.
While the 30-year-old received 32 points for his Quickstep to Hand Jive, Claudia, 19, landed 36 points from the judges for their Jive routine to Hey Mickey.
But after landing in the bottom two once the judge’s scores and viewers votes were combined, the pair had to dance their routines again.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Claudia and her partner AJ Pritchard saying: “Well both couples I thought improved enormously and I don’t really want to say goodbye to either of these couples.
“I have great respect for them but closer to perfection for me and the couple I’d like to save, Claudia and AJ.”
Darcey Bussell also chose to save Claudia and AJ and said: “It’s really tough to see both these couples in the dance off and they did such a better performance tonight, but the couple I’d would like to save for the stronger technique, Claudia and AJ.”
Bruno Tonioli agreed, telling the couples: “Well first let me say it was so much fun watching both of you tonight.
“You have brought so much energy and fun to both dances but I have to pick the couple I thought was stronger both content wise and performance wise, Claudia and AJ” .
Bruno’s vote meant Greg and partner Natalie Lowe were going home, but asked by Tess if he agreed with his peers, head judge Len Goodman replied: “I would have agreed, Claudia and AJ.”
Talking to the host about his Strictly Come Dancing experience, Greg said: “It’s been one of the most of incredible things in my life.
“I’ve been very lucky in my life, I’ve done some amazing things but this is truly one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve much such a good friend here.”
Natalie added: “You are an amazing man, you’ve never had any dance experience and you got out there and you’ve just shown the world that you can dance.
“Honestly this has been the most incredible experience of my life performing and dancing every Saturday night with you; I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
“Sorry I couldn’t get you any further.”
The results show also included two musical performances from Rick Astley and Simple Minds.
The remaining six couples will return to the dancefloor on Saturday, November 26 at 7pm and will see them all dance a Cha Cha at the same time in the Cha Cha Challenge.
Brand new for 2016, the challenge will see everyone hoping to impress the judges for valuable extra points.
