Adam Thomas has become the sixth celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The Waterloo Road and Emmerdale actor and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk found themselves in the bottom two for the second week in a row, after placing joint bottom on last night’s leaderboard with 27 points out of 40 for their Rumba to Calum Scott’s version of ‘Dancing On My Own’. They faced Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington in the dreaded dance-off, who scored 28 points for their Waltz to ‘Fascination’ by Nat King Cole.
After both couples performed their routines again, presenter Tess Daly asked the judges who they wanted to save. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Angela and Kai, meaning sadly Adam and Luba were eliminated from the competition. Head judge Shirley Ballas was not required to vote, but said she would also have saved Angela and Kai.
When asked by Tess about his time on the show, Adam said: “Seven incredible weeks, what a journey it’s been. I honestly thought I was leaving in week two and [so] the fact that I’ve got this far, I’m so proud of myself. I’ve had an amazing time from start to finish. I came here to learn how to dance and I’ve learned so much more about myself. The confidence and self-belief I now have in myself, it’s out of this world. I have to thank all these guys up here. What a bunch to be on this journey with, I’m just very, very lucky! I know my kids are at home now probably crying, it’s okay – Daddy’s okay! I just wanted to teach my kids that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about taking part and doing your best. [To Luba] I just want to say thank you to this one and I’m sorry, I wanted to get us to Blackpool!”
Luba replied: “Don’t be sorry, you are incredible, I had the best season. Just to get to know you, your family and kids, it’s been much more than just a dance show. You’re the winner of my heart forever and it’s better than a trophy.”
The results show opened with a magnificent routine from Strictly’s troupe of professional dancers, choreographed by Strictly alumni and two-time winner Oti Mabuse, and also featured a performance from Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson singing ‘On My Love’ in the ballroom.
Adam and Luba will join Fleur East for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly It Takes Two on Monday 6th November at 6:30 PM on BBC Two.
The remaining eight couples will all be back on the dancefloor when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 11th November at 6:05 PM, with the results show on Sunday 12th November at 7:20 PM on BBC One.
