MATT Goss has become the third celebrity to sashay off the Strictly Come Dancing – after facing Kym Marsh in a shock dance-off.
While the Bros singer and partner Nadiya Bychkova were tipped all week to be leaving the competition this week, the same couldn’t be said for Morning Live star Kym, who found herself under the red light after failing to secure enough votes.
Matt and Nadiya went head-to-head with Kym and Graziano in the dance-off
Nadiya and Matt were the third couple sent home
Both couples performed their routines once again, with Kym and pro partner Graziano Di Prima going first with their Samba to Volare by Gipsy Kings.
After that, Matt and Nadiya – who have already been in the dance-off before – took to the dance floor with their Jive to Paul McCartney’s cover of Elvis classic, All Shook Up.
They then had to face the judges for the final vote, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke unanimously choosing to save Kym and Graziano.
However, they noted how much of an improvement both contestants made in the dance-off, with Craig saying: “I think both couples went up a major notch, I mean Matt you went fantastically mad in that, I loved it, and Kym you were really great in that.
“But the couple I would like to save is Kym and Graziano.”
By the time Anton delivered his verdict, the majority rules meant Shirley’s choice would’ve made no difference to the outcome, although she agreed with her fellow judges that Kym and Graziano should stay.
Anton, before cementing Matt’s fate, said: “I would just like to say you should both be thrilled with the way you performed in the dance off, it’s the most high-pressured of situations. Matt – that’s your best performance of the whole series, you should be really proud of yourself.”
As a result, the 80s legend was given his marching orders.
In an emotional goodbye, Matt told Tess Daly: “”It’s an extraordinary experience, I have been in America for 25 years. Thank you judges for your candour, you’ve helped me in many ways, my posture – Anton, I am more aware of it. This lovely lady beside me, a world champion with all the patience. I am very honoured to have danced with you.”
He then turned to the remaining contestants and said: “I love you guys, go smash it guys.”
An equally emotional Nadiya said of Matt: “I’m so grateful that I got to teach and dance with a music icon. But, more important than this, I got the privilege to get to know Matt, for who you really are.
“Not many people know you and you’re a beautiful soul, very kind human and a real gentleman.”
Fans were devastated to see Matt leave – but were equally as shocked at who he had to face off with.
“Kim should be nowhere near the dance off it’s another shocker,” wrote one fan.
“I didn’t think Kym would be in the dance-off,” said another. “I thought being at the top of that middle block would have been enough to get her through another week”
“Kym and Graziano [shocked face]. I knew it was going to be a shock who was in the bottom two but didn’t think it would be them,” agreed a third.
Next week, the remaining contestants will front a BBC Centenary special, which will honour shows past and present of the broadcaster over the last 100 years.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.
Matt paid tribute to “patient” Nadiya as they said goodbye to the series
The couple’s final dance routine was a Jive to All Shook Up
