Jody Cundy was the third celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 following Sunday’s dreaded dance off.
The Paralympian, who celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday, left the show alongside professional partner Jowita Przystal after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard with his Salsa.
Jody faced comedian Eddie Kadi in the tense dance off as both stars tried to impress the judges one final time.
First up was the birthday boy who once again performed his routine to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini, before Eddie and partner Karen Hauer danced their American Smooth to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones.
After both couples took to the floor for a second time judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas all opted to save Eddie.
Early exit: Jody Cundy (C) was the third celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 following Sunday’s dreaded dance off – pictured with partner Jowita Przystal (R) and host Tess Daly (L)
Bottom two: Jody faced comedian Eddie Kadi (R, with partner Karen Hauer) in the tense dance off as both stars tried to impress the judges one final time
Craig said: ‘For improvement and musicality I would like to save Eddie and Karen.’
While Motsi, who also saved Eddie and Karen, agreed saying: ‘For me it was a very clear decision, one couple was much, much stronger. I would love to save Eddie and Karen.’
Anton Du Beke chose to save them too, explaining: ‘Well based on the dance off and the dance off only,’
‘I thought one couple danced very well and one couple had a bit of an off night, there were a couple of mistakes there so I would like to save Eddie and Karen.’
With three votes for Eddie and Karen, 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 Eddie and Karen.
Telling host Tess Daly: ‘I agreed with the Judges I would have saved Eddie and Karen’.
Speaking about his time on the show Jody gushed: ‘You know what, when I signed up for this I thought what an earth am I signing up for and we did that first live show and I absolutely loved every second of it’.
‘And just being able to dance and do something I’ve never done before and get completely out of my comfort zone ,’ before turning to Jowita and praising her as an ‘amazing person’.
Gutted: Jody (R) and Jowita (L) couldn’t disguise their disappointment as they discovered they were in the dance off
Dance: First up was the birthday boy who once again performed his routine to Samba de Janeiro by Bellini
Hard work: Next Eddie and partner Karen Hauer danced their American Smooth to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones
Bye! After both couples took to the floor for a second time judges Craig Revel Horwood , Motsi Mabuse , Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas all opted to save Eddie
Sad to go: Speaking about his time on the show Jody gushed: ‘You know what, when I signed up for this I thought what an earth am I signing up for and we did that first live show and I absolutely loved every second of it’
He went on: [Jowita] has got so much energy, every morning like nine o’clock we’ve got, start of training and she’s like BAMMM, like this, she comes into the room like an absolute cannonball and she just doesn’t stop the whole day’.
‘And she doesn’t lose any faith, doesn’t lose anything, motivates me on to do more and more. So I’ve had an absolute blast.’
Jowita was then asked if she had any words for her partner, she said: ‘I cannot even describe how proud I am of you Jody, cause from Day one till now, it’s enormous improvement’.
She went on: ‘And I hope from now on, when you go out, when you hear the music, you’re not going to hide anywhere. You’re going to go on that dance floor and you’re going to give it all. And I hope, one day when you look back at all of this, you will say to yourself I’m proud of myself, because that will be my biggest achievement.’
Amazing: Saturday’s results show opened with an incredible performance from the professional dancers
Leggy lady: Beverley Knight also showcased her iconic vocals as she performed I’m On Fire
Delighted: The safe celebs chatted to Claudia (centre) after discovering they would be dancing next week
Saturday’s results show opened with an incredible performance from the professional dancers, as well Beverley Knight performing I’m On Fire.
The remaining twelve couples will take to the dance floor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday October 21 at 6.35pm.
The results show on Sunday October 22 at 7:15pm on BBC One.
Jody and Jowita will be joining Fleur East and Janette Manrara for their first exclusive televised interview live on Strictly It Takes Two on Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
Actress Ellie Leach kicked off the fourth week of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday with a lively samba to Copacabana by Barry Manilow alongside her partner Vito Coppola.
Dressed in a vibrant pink feathered dress, the former Corrie star twirled and dipped her way to a score of 28.
Upset: Ellie Leach broke down in tears during Strictly Come Dancing’s live show on Saturday, as she admitted she felt like she had let Vito Coppola, 31, down
Head judge Shirley Ballas said Ellie had ‘mastered’ the dance from the waist upward but advised her to focus on her footwork, adding: ‘What a way to open our show.’
Motsi Mabuse noted the complexity of the routine but said she could see a ‘struggle’ in the actress’s face.
Actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice performed a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac for their routine, scoring 31 points for their efforts.
Motsi said she enjoyed that they took the time to show the ‘beauty of the movement’.
Twinkle toes: Actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice performed a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac for their routine, scoring 31 points for their efforts
Reaction: Krishnan Guru-Murthy wowed the judges with his Paso Doble, which head judge Shirley Ballas said was ‘sharp, crisp and to the point’
Meanwhile Layton Williams made Strictly Come Dancing history after dancing a Cha Cha Cha with his partner Nikita Kuzmin and receiving a standing ovation from judge Motsi Mabuse.
Viewers saw a triumphant Layton top the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha in the series history.
After he finished dancing to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston and made his way over to Tess Daly, the TV presenter said: ‘Wow what a reaction in the room’.
Talking about his performance Shirley Ballas said: ‘Well last week I told you about your partnering skills. You take constructive criticism very very well.
‘You came back here, you didn’t try to outshine anybody, you realised it is team work and team work is what you did.’
She added: ‘You are back in the game!’
Seemingly speechless Anton Du Beke then said a few words: ‘I mean for goodness sake. It was just brilliant.’
Mind blown: Layton Williams made Strictly Come Dancing history with his partner Nikita Kuzmin
Sensational: Viewers saw a triumphant Layton top the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha in the series history
The usually sharp tongued Craig revel Horwood simply said: ‘Million dollar bill. Million dollar dance.’
Last to give her thoughts was Motsi who exclaimed: ‘It was soft, but strong. Powerful. You listened as Shirley said and we loved it.
‘You add a whole kind of flavour to this whole competition. I could watch it day and night. Bring. It on!’
Up in the Clauditoriam, Tess’ co host Claudia Winkleman asked Layton: ‘Shirley said look at the way these two work – that must mean everything?’
Layton then replied: ‘It’s really good. I don’t think people realise, I’m working really hard.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
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!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
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!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
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.’
