Strictly Come Dancing RESULT: Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to leave the show after facing Adam Thomas in the dreaded dance off

Zara McDermott  was the fifth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023 following Sunday’s dance off.

The former Love Island star, 26, faced the dreaded dance off against Adam Thomas as both celebrities tried to impress the judges one last time.

But Zara and her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima had to say their goodbyes after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance off.

Zara was scored a disappointing 25 out of 30 points with her Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra. 

First up in the dance off was Adam and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk, who performed their American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, before Zara and Graziano performed for a second time.

Fifth out: Zara McDermott was the fifth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023 following Sunday’s dance off

Farewell: The former Love Island star, 26, faced the dreaded dance off against Adam Thomas as both celebrities tried to impress the judges one last time

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Adam and Luba.

Craig said: ‘For me one couple did remarkably well and nailed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.’

Motsi Mabuse also chose to save Adam and Luba and said: ‘Well I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning, I will save Adam and Luba’.

Anton Du Beke also agreed, adding: ‘Well it’s not much of a consolation now – but both couples danced very well and both couples put their best foot forward. But for me it was couple that was the best quality – and that couple is Adam and Luba.’

With three votes to Adam & Luba it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless, however Head Judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have decided to save Adam and Luba.

Shirley said, ‘I agreed I would have saved Adam and Luba.’

 Zara broke down in tears as she said: ‘I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.

‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.’

Underperformed: Zara was scored a disappointing 25 out of 30 points with her Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra

Zara said: ‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them

Strictly 2023: Week Six Leaderboard – Halloween Dances 

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Tango to Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo – 36 points out of 40

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Cha Cha to I Was Made For Lovin’ You by Kiss – 30 points out of 40

Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk – American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como – 32 points out of 40

Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Charleston to the Murder, She Wrote theme song –  33 points out of 40

Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Cha Cha to Come-On-A-My-House by Della Reese – 30 points out of 40

Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Tango to Need U Tonight by INXS – 29 points out of 40

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – alsa to Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor – 38 points out of 40

Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima – Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra – 25 points out of 40

Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Paso Doble to Black swan SWAN lake by District 78 – 33 points out of 40

Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Viennese Waltz to Kiss from a Rose by Sea – 27 points out of 40

Graziano was then asked if he had any words for his partner, he said: ‘She has been great for me 8:00am till 21:00pm. Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. 

‘A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. 

‘I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.’

Zara added: ‘He’s been here thought all the tough times and we are going to be friends forever’ 

The results show opened with a Wednesday Addams inspired routine from our Strictly professionals, and there will be a music performance from music legend Rick Astley with his new single ‘Forever and More’.

Adam made a triumphant return to Strictly on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss out on the live show.

The Emmerdale actor’s performance was hanging in the balance with producers making last minute ‘contingency arrangements’ in case he couldn’t do it.

But taking to the dancefloor, the pair earned the highest score for the dance style of this series.

Adam, 35, was awarded 32 points from the judges, with Motsi Mabuse hailing it as his ‘best perfromance yet.’

A Strictly spokesperson told The Sun shortly before the show: ‘Adam is feeling much better and will be performing tonight.’

His wife Caroline and children had travelled down from Manchester to the Strictly studios to watch him.

It comes after Adam was expected to appear alongside his dance partner Luba Mushtuk on It Takes Two on Friday.

Return: Adam made a triumphant return to Strictly on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss out on the live show

However, the pro dancer arrived solo and explained Adam was absent due to medical reasons.

Host Fleur East told viewers: ‘Unfortunately, Adam is feeling a bit under the weather, but please mention the lovely Luba Mushtuk.’

Luba then proceeded to tell the shocked viewers ‘it is so strange to be here by myself. He is resting now. He just didn’t feel very well but he is resting and getting ready for tomorrow night.’

The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 4 at 19:05pm, with the results show on Sunday November 5 at 7:20pm on BBC One.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES

Angela Rippon

Age: 78 

Profession: Journalist 

Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’

Amanda Abbington

Age: 49

Profession: Actress

Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

 Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Age: 53

Profession: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’

Eddie Kadi

Age: 40

Profession: Comedian and radio presenter

Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’ 

Zara McDermott 

Age: 26

Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star

Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’

Adam Thomas 

Age: 34 

Profession: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’

Ellie Leach 

Age: 22

Profession:  Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Bobby Brazier 

Age: 20

Profession:  EastEnders star and model 

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’

Nigel Harman 

Age: 49 

Profession:  Actor

Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’

Annabel Croft 

Age: 57 

Profession:  Broadcaster and ex tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’

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