Former tennis star Annabel Croft has been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing just one week before the grand finale. The BBC celebrity ballroom dancing competition announced the three finalists as Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach, and Layton Williams in tonight's results show.
Croft Misses Out on the Finale
Annabel Croft narrowly missed out on a spot in the Strictly Come Dancing finale. The former tennis star, whose husband passed away earlier this year, thanked her dance partner Johannes Radebe for giving her "a reason to get out of bed."
The Dance-Off
In the dance-off, Croft and Radebe performed a Viennese waltz to Slow Moving Millie's cover of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" by indie band The Smiths. Soap star Bobby Brazier and his partner Dianne Buswell performed a quickstep to "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin.
Judges' Decision
Judge Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Croft, while Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas opted to save Brazier. Ballas praised both couples' performances but noted one small mistake in Croft's routine.
Croft's Farewell
Tess Daly asked Croft if she had any final words. The former tennis champion expressed gratitude for the "life-changing and extraordinary experience" and congratulated Brazier and all the contestants. Croft also thanked Radebe for his patience, care, and love, calling him an "unbelievably special human being."
A Special Message from Radebe
Radebe thanked Croft for choosing to participate in the show and expressed how his life is richer with her in it. He expressed hope for continued dancing together beyond the competition.
Croft's Reflection
Croft described her Strictly journey as an "incredible rollercoaster ride" and thanked the judges for their guidance. She also highlighted the behind-the-scenes machinery that makes the show a "wholesome family entertainment magical show with so much glitz and glamour."
Annabel Croft expressed her gratitude to everyone involved with Strictly, especially Johannes Radebe, for the special time they had together.
