End of the Rhodes for Gary
Monday, 6th October 2008
Strictly's battle of the dancing boys last night saw Gary Rhodes become the third casualty of the new series.
The celebrity chef failed to impress the judges with the jive he performed with professional partner Karen Hardy.
And a poor return in the public vote saw Gary dumped into the bottom two along with fellow low-scorer Mark Foster and his partner Hayley Holt.
Both couples had to perform a second time for the judges' deciding vote.
The 4 Strictly judges were roundly critical of Gary's dancing technique and posture.
Arlene Phillips scored Gary 4 points and said: "Enthusiasm – yes! You need to stop counting in your head, feel the rhythm and dance.
"Your footwork was kind of as flat as a pancake."
Bruno Tonioli agreed, scoring 5 points. He said: "I say this with love – your jive had more holes than the surface of the moon.
"You were counting but the problem with it is you were going off and on and off and on. Stop counting and listen to the music, let the music go through you."
Craig Revel Horwood awarded a brutal 3 points, saying: "I was praying for you throughout the entire routine, just so you know, but there are a few problems that one must overcome, one being a hunched back – that doesn't help; the lurching neck is not helping you.
"There are major timing issues and stompy flat footedness that make it laboured. But you can rest knowing it wasn't a complete dance disaster."
Len Goodman however, scored Gary 6 points and at least had a few good things to say: "Everybody looks at things in a different light," he commented.
"I thought your foot work was very very good. I loved the start, a bit like going to a restaurant, a lovely starter!
"Unfortunately, as you went through, it you lost the timing a couple of times, you get excited, you want to do good.
"You had terrible comments a couple of weeks ago and you've got all that pressure.
"I thought you did a very good job considering all the stress you've been under."
In the ensuing dance-off, all judges chose to save Mark and Hayley, meaning Gary became the third celebrity reject of the series.
But after his and Karen's elimination, the chef said: "I would go through it all again – I want that ballroom dance! Maybe we'll have that privately."
Next week will be the girls' turn to dance for survival again... seven will become six.
Who do you think will go? Leave your comments below.
Check out Gary's Strictly story...
Photo: BBC
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