Comedian knocked out of Strictly after an impressive run

Chris Ramsey has been knocked out of Strictly Come Dancing – after getting further than most people, including himself, ever thought.

The comedian made it to the semi-finals on a combination of good humour and determination to improve, before losing the dance-off tonight.

He and professional partner Karen Hauer had come bottom of the leaderboard last night, and the viewers’ vote left them in the dreaded showdown with CBBC’s  Karim Zeroual and partner Amy Dowden.

And in the end, the judges were unanimous in deciding Ramsey had to go.

As Bruno Tonioli handed down his verdict, he told the comedian:  'Thank you for three months of great entertainment, Chris, but I have to choose the best dancer"

After his fate was sealed, 33-year-old Ramsey told co-host Tess Daly: 'I’m very proud of myself. I never ever thought I’d make it past week two and genuinely had no expectations whatsoever.

'I am astounded and I’ve got to thank Karen, she is just amazing, the best teacher and so patient, it’s crazy! I had sleepless nights in the build-up to the series and there is no one else who can have made it what it has been. You made it bearable and then enjoyable.'

And he tweeted moments later: 'Guys, it’s been absolutely epic! I can’t thank you all enough for the support you’ve given me... going to be an incredible final! And all the thanks in the world to @karen_hauer. You’re a legend mate!'

Before the competition started, Ramsey was a 16-1 outsider to win, with Zeroual 7-2 favourite, so getting to the semi-final stage defied the odds.

Last night, he scored 54 points across his two dances, a full 13 points below EastEnders actress Emma Barton and her partner  Anton Du Beke.

He and Hauer performed a rumba to Don't Watch Me Cry by Jorja Smith, which Craig Revel Horwood blasted as the 'wrong dance, wrong day'.

But Motsi Mabuse said the pair 'captured the essence, sensitive and vulnerable... I believed the story', although Shirley Ballas complained 'it lacked body action' and Tolioni concluded  it was 'not perfectly technically but you gave honest and depth of feeling'.

They also danced a Viennese waltz to Somebody To Love by Queen.

Horwood said it 'needed to be smoother', Mabusi told him, 'your eyes shine and sparkle when you dance but it got too low', Ballas said the comic made 'too many mistakes' and Tonioli said that Ramsey was 'a great performer but your footwork went off the rails'.

And on last night's show,  uncompromising judge, Revel Horwood did tell Ramsey: 'I'm proud of you, you've come from nothing to present as a dancer, truly remarkable.'

Earlier on Saturday, the comedian posted: 'Just want to say, whatever happens this weekend, support on here has been incredible. In any moments of exhaustion or frustration, I’d read some lush tweets from you lot and start to feel instantly better. Thank you.'

Published: 8 Dec 2019