ran out of time
Jonnie Peacock becomes eighth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing after Debbie McGee triumphs in the Dance Off
JONNIE Peacock has become the eighth celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.
The Paralympian and his dance partner Oti Mabuse found themselves in the dreaded dance off alongside Debbie McGee and her partner Giovanni Pernice at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom on tonight's results show.
5
Jonnie had been in the dance off last week but had been saved by the judges but the runner was unable to secure their votes two weeks running.
The panel unanimously decided to save Debbie, 56, instead after she performed her samba to a Spice Girls medley again.
Speaking to host Tess Daly after the result, Jonnie said: "I think it’s been an absolute honour to be the first disabled person and I want to thank each and every one of you for judging me as an equal. That’s what I want.
"You’ve been critical with me and I want that criticism; and I think that’s fantastic and hope it paves the way for more people to come through and I think they may be able to stick their bum under a bit better than me.
5
5
"I need to say an absolutely gigantic thank you to this woman for pushing me because she knows what I’m capable of.
"Her choreography has been has been outstanding, and for putting up with me, pinching me, biting me - thank you so much.”
Standing alongside him, Oti added: “This has been one of the most life changing things that could ever happen to me.
"Jonnie is not only an inspiration but he represents so much more.
5
5
"If anybody wants to do anything, if you put your mind to it then you can achieve it and that’s what he represents.”
Jonnie's departure means he has become the latest sportsman to fall victim to the week nine Strictly curse.
Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford was voted off the show in week nine at Blackpool last year with his partner Natalie Lowe, while rugby star Kenny Logan was the first to fall victim to the curse back in series five in 2007.
Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse dance the Tango on Strictly Come Dancing
He was followed by cricketer Phil Tufnell, who exited the competition at the same point during series seven in 2009, before fellow cricketer Michael Vaughn met the same fate on series 10 in 2012.
Rugby star Ben Cohen was also voted off in week nine during series 10 back in 2013.
Most Read in TV & Showbiz
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Topics