BBC Strictly Come Dancing star makes sad admission as they're voted off in shock exit

A Strictly Come Dancing star's departure was tinged with sadness this weekend, as they shared a touching farewell.

EastEnders favourite Jamie Borthwick and his pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas were voted off the dance floor after finding themselves in a head-to-head battle in the dance-off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe.

Montell Douglas and dance partner Johannes Radebe performed their Quickstep to Ella Fitzgerald's Get Happy, while Jamie and Michelle brought a heartfelt Foxtrot to Ben E. King's classic Stand By Me again, eager to secure their spot in the competition.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood was first to give his verdict and said he would save Montell and Johannes, with Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke subsequently following suit. Although her vote was unnecessary, Shirley Ballas confirmed she would have made the same choice - meaning Jamie and Michelle went home.

Upon his exit, Jamie paid tribute to his Strictly journey. He said: "Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here - the judges, but everyone who works on this show.

"I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one. She's a new pro and she's absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you."

Michelle heaped praise on Jamie, expressing that her dance partner was definitely worth the wait after a two-year hiatus from having a partner in the competition.

"I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week. He's worked so hard to get to where he is. It's my first year with a partner and I've realised that it's so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it's the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way," she said.

The Sunday results show brought extra excitement as the Sugababes delivered a medley of their top tunes such as Overload, Freak Like Me, and Push The Button, alongside a stunning performance by the professional dancers to With Every Heartbeat by Zara Larson.

*Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday evening at 7.05pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.