Gillian Taylforth is second Strictly casualty

Monday, 29th September 2008

A battle of the dance floor divas saw ex-EastEnder Gillian Taylforth voted off Strictly Come Dancing ahead of model Jodie Kidd last night.

The actress and her partner Anton received a paltry score of 22 out of 40 from the judges for her foxtrot.

That, coupled with a low public vote meant the pair had to dance again for survival along with equally low-scoring Jodie Kidd and partner Ian Waite.

Here's what the judges said and scored for Gillian's first dance:

Arlene Phillips: "Gillian, when you started we saw lots of the fox but gradually as it went on we saw less and less of the trot and at one point almost pushing and trying to lead Anton. It's a romantic dance – melt in his arms and it will all happen for you." Score: 5.

Bruno Tonioli: "Gillian, compared to his previous partners you're Ginger Rogers and that is something. The intro was great but I know what happened – butterflies in the stomach. You tightened up and by doing so your frame went. You were hanging onto him for dear life." Score: 6.

Craig Revel Horwood: "I thought it was a little rough around the edges. There was a bit of gapping going on but that's easily solved. When you did your heel turn it looked like it was on the whole foot rather than lifting the toes up but not a complete disaster." Score: 4.

Len Goodman: "Well some people look for the bad in everything. I always look for the good and I've got to say I loved the start. You had great musicality. I watched your footwork and I thought that was beautiful. I loved the whole routine and the performance. Tighten up your diaphragm and lift your ribcage." Score: 7.

So not completely bad comments, but a poor showing in the dance-off compared with Jodie Kidd who appeared to drastically improve under pressure meant Gillian was the judges’ unanimous choice to be axed.

Head judge Len Goodman commented: "I was disappointed that two foxtrots were in the bottom two, it's such a difficult dance and doesn't have the wow factor of the salsa.

"But I just want to say that Gillian and Anton were stood on the steps clapping along and cheering for Jodie and Ian; it was great spirit."

Gillian was disappointed but loved the experience: "I have really enjoyed myself, it's been great," she said. "Anton's wonderful."

Check out Gillian's Strictly story...

Photo: BBC