Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev, Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton, Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff and Mark Wright and Karen Hauer will compete in the Strictly Come Dancing final next weekend.
As predicted by bookies earlier today, Mark Wright and Karen Hauer and Jake Wood and Janette Manrara were in the dance-off, with the Eastender’s favourite being the 11th couple eliminated from the show.
It was the first time Wood and Manrara were in the dace-off, but Wright and Hauer saw off stiff competition to survive their third dance-off in the bottom two.
Wood and Manrara performed their cha-cha, while Wright and Hauer performed the rumba which last night earned harsh criticism for the duo from head judge Len Goodman.
Judges Darcey Bussell and Bruno Toniolo opted to keep Wood and his dance partner Manrara but Craig Revel Horwood swayed with Wright and Hauer.
It appears head judge Len Goodman had a change of heart following last night’s harsh comments, and decided to save Wright and Hauer, landing them a covered spot in next week’s show.
Speaking about narrowly missing out on competing in the finals, Jake said:
“It’s a huge disappointment to go out in the semi-finals, but for a 42-year-old dad of two who’s never danced before, Janette has worked wonders.
“It’s been a real privilege to watch her work, and she’s so passionate about what she does that it’s infectious.”
The four remaining dance pairs will compete next Saturday at 6.30pm and 8.50pm in a bid to take home the Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball Trophy.
