Annabel Croft has become the tenth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The former tennis champion and her professional partner Johannes Radebe found themselves in the dreaded dance-off this evening after performing two routines in last night’s semi-final. They faced actor Bobby Brazier and his professional partner Dianne Buswell.
Both couples performed their favourite routine of the night again for a place in Saturday’s final. Bobby and Dianne chose their Quickstep to Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin, whilst Annabel and Johannes Radebe opted for their Viennese Waltz to Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by Slow Moving Millie.
After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts. In the first split vote of the series, Craig Revel Horwood voted for Annabel and Johannes, but Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke chose to save Bobby and Dianne. Head judge Shirley Ballas therefore had the casting vote and decided to save Bobby and Dianne, meaning sadly Annabel and Johannes left the competition.
When asked by presenter Tess Daly about her time on Strictly Come Dancing, Annabel said: “It’s been the most life changing and extraordinary experience of my life. I have to congratulate Bobby and Dianne and all the contestants that took part in it. But obviously, it’s been an amazing, magical experience for me. Johannes, you have been absolutely extraordinary. You have given me a reason to get out of bed and come and dance with you, distract me and to heal me. I can’t thank you enough for that. You have been so patient, so caring and so loving. You are an unbelievably special human being. I simply adore you. Thank you so much.”
Tess then asked Johannes if he had any words for her partner. He said: “I would like to say thank you. Thank you for making the decision to come here. Thank you to Strictly Come Dancing for sending her my way. My life is richer with you in it. I hope we dance long after this has ended. You know my heart and I just want to tell you thank you Annabel. Thank you Lily, thank you Amber, thank you Charlie.”
Annabel added, “It’s been the most incredible rollercoaster ride, I have had every single emotion you can imagine. I really want to thank Strictly for letting me take part in this competition. Thank you to the judges, for your amazing comments and guiding us all along. But I also see this as a one-thousand-piece jig saw puzzle and I wish that everyone in the public could see what goes on behind the scenes because it’s quite extraordinary the machinery that makes it work and makes the show what it is. The most wholesome family entertainment magical show with so much glitz and glamour and so much enjoyment for everybody. It has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough. Thank you so much Johannes, for the most special time I have had with you.”
The last results show of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 also featured a beautiful group number from the show’s professional dancers and an incredible music performance from Take That performing their new single This Life.
The remaining three couples will take to the dancefloor next week for the final time as they bid to lift the Glitterball Trophy when Strictly Come Dancing: The Final will air live on Saturday 16th December at 7.00pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Annabel and Johannes will be joining Fleur East for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly It Takes Two on Monday 11th December at 18:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
