Strictly Come Dancing stars suffer devastating blow hours before live show

Three couples have received some unsettling news just hours before the next Strictly Come Dancing live show. From a Time Warp jive to an Addams Family-themed American Smooth, everything is on the cards as the remaining 11 couples gear up for Halloween Week on Saturday (October 26) night.

However, things are not looking promising for a few stars as the Friday panel on spin-off show It Takes Two predicted that they will be the next pair to be voted out of the competition. Speaking to host Fleur East, panellists Jordan North, Simon Rimmer and Dilly Carter all shared their verdict on the couple they think are in danger this weekend.

Dilly revealed she thinks Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu could be sent home, Simon predicted Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez and Jordan said JB Gill and Amy Dowdan could get the boot. Last week saw the departure of football icon Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer after they danced against JLS singer JB and pro Amy in the dreaded Strictly dance-off.

However, Paul and Karen's Samba to Rose Royce's Car Wash wasn't enough to save them after initially scoring just 19 points out of a possible 40 from the judges. Before he left the dance floor for good, Paul couldn't resist one last jibe at Tottenham, Arsenal's rival team.

Speaking about his experience on the show, he told host Tess Daly: "It's been really good.", reports the Mirror. "For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show.

"It's amazing - everybody," he enthusiastically recommended, before adding with a chuckle: "There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he's nice! ".

He didn't stop at the audience members; he also lauded his dance partner Karen, declaring: "It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher. She's been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn't wish for a better coach. I've loved every minute of it. I can dance now - I've won because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus."

Likewise, Karen didn't hold back her commendation for Paul, celebrating his embrace of the Strictly essence. With palpable warmth, she said: "Absolutely, you've been a joy. I've never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now."

Emotion filled her voice as she conveyed her admiration: "I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved. You're what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles."

Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two at 6.30pm