The ballroom was buzzing with excitement this weekend on Strictly Come Dancing, but not for the reasons fans had hoped. The latest results show brought another shock elimination, leaving viewers stunned and social media ablaze with heated opinions. Sports star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who had just earned his highest score of 30, found himself in the dreaded dance-off alongside West End performer Amber Davies. Despite their stunning performances, one of these fan favourites had to say goodbye, and it wasn’t the result anyone saw coming.
A Dance-Off That Shocked Fans
It was a night dedicated to legends of the music industry, as the remaining celebrities took to the dancefloor for Icons Week. The night was filled with incredible performances, but when the results came in, two couples were left at the bottom of the leaderboard after the public vote was tallied alongside the judges’ scores. It was a major shock to fans when it was announced that Jimmy and his partner Lauren Oakley, despite scoring a respectable 30, were up against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, who had performed admirably and were tied for second place.
Fans immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disbelief. “Woah, that’s just ridiculous,” one user tweeted, while another remarked, “That bottom two is diabolical.” One fan summed it up perfectly with, “Amber vs Jimmy dance-off… I am in SHOCK.” It’s safe to say that many people felt the wrong two were in the bottom, with some even claiming that Jimmy was the one who should have stayed.
The dance-off saw Amber and Nikita performing their Cha Cha Cha to Ariana Grande’s Break Free, while Jimmy and Lauren took a more emotional approach with an American Smooth to Prince’s Purple Rain. In the end, the judges were unanimous in their decision to save Amber and Nikita, with even Anton Du Beke, who had the casting vote, agreeing that they should continue on in the competition.
Jimmy’s Heartfelt Farewell
While fans were still reeling from the result, it was Jimmy’s heartfelt message that really hit home. The football legend, who had become a fan favourite over the past few weeks, spoke with nothing but gratitude when interviewed by Tess Daly. “I have absolutely loved my experience,” Jimmy said, thanking the production team, his pro partner Lauren, and most importantly, his daughters for pushing him to take part. “I never expected I would enjoy it this much. The people behind the scenes, from the wardrobe people to the hairdressers to the make-up people, are absolutely magnificent.”
In a touching moment, Jimmy praised Lauren Oakley, his professional partner, for her dedication and patience. “This girl is just absolutely incredible. She has been amazing with me. You are a diamond,” he said, clearly emotional. It’s rare to see such sincerity on the show, and it was clear that Jimmy truly valued his time on Strictly – not just as a contestant, but as part of a larger team.
Although his dance journey ended earlier than many had anticipated, Jimmy’s attitude towards the competition was nothing short of inspiring. “The only thing you can do is dance as best as you can, and then it’s up to the public,” he said. His resilience and positive attitude made him a standout, and it’s safe to say fans will miss him on the dancefloor.
Lauren’s Pride in Her Student
Lauren Oakley, who had been teaching Jimmy the intricacies of ballroom dancing, was visibly upset as she reflected on their time together. “Oh, I enjoyed it so much, and I am absolutely gutted that it’s come to an end,” she said, clearly emotional. “We’ve had so many laughs. We’ve had the best time, and I am so proud of how far he has come.”
Lauren, who had taught the footballer how to transition from being an athlete to a dancer, emphasized that anyone can succeed if they put their mind to it. “He’s a footballer! And he just danced like that,” she said. Her pride in Jimmy’s growth was palpable, and it was a testament to the incredible bond that can form between a pro dancer and their celebrity partner on Strictly.
Despite the shock elimination, the duo were quick to express their gratitude for the experience. Jimmy’s exit may have been early for some, but there was no doubt that he had left a lasting impression. With his positive attitude and strong work ethic, he proved that the show is about more than just dancing – it’s about growth, camaraderie, and embracing the unexpected.
What’s Next for the Remaining Stars?
As Jimmy takes his leave, the remaining contestants will need to gear up for next week’s Strictly Halloween special, which is always a crowd-pleaser. Fans can expect dramatic costumes, spooky routines, and plenty of surprises as the competition heats up. With Amber and Nikita continuing their journey, and other fan favourites still in the mix, it’s clear that the stakes have never been higher.
But for now, fans can reflect on the shock of this week’s elimination. Was it the right decision? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – the Strictly Come Dancing drama is far from over.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, November 1, at 6:35 pm for the highly anticipated Halloween special. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in this glittering competition!11
