STRICTLY Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin broke down in tears and told Ellie Simmonds “I love you” after they were axed from the show.
Nikita, 24, and Paralympic swimmer Ellie, 27, landed in the bottom two alongside Carlos Gu and Mollie Rainford during Sunday night’s results show.
Nikita and Ellie had an emotional goodbye after being sent home
Viewers were shocked after Mollie and Ellie ended up in the bottom two
After he and Ellie were sent home – in a result that shocked viewers – he is said to have broken down off camera and shared the sweet message with his partner.
Ellie and actress Mollie, 21, were forced into the dance off despite the fact neither of them landed at the bottom of the leader board.
It came down to the judges to make a decision, eventually choosing to send Ellie home.
Ellie later heaped praise on Nikita, saying: “I’ve literally had the time of my life.
“It’s been the most incredible experience – life changing really. I want to thank Nikita ever so much.
“I’m going to miss him – he’s changed my life and confidence. And all of you guys – the pros.
“Every single one of you who’ve been part of this Strictly. Behind closed doors, the costume designers, I’ve literally loved waking up every single day and dancing, I’m going to dance forever.
He’s [Nikita] changed my life. We’ve had the most amazing days. We’ve had not just dancing days – but days we’ve just spoken for hours.
“And the confidence you’ve given me – I seem confident but you know what I’m like, I worry about everything so so much and we’ve literally represented everything.”
