Biggest shock yet as Austin salsas off Strictly
Monday, 8th December 2008.
There was a big surprise on Strictly Come Dancing last night as England Rugby ace Austin Healey missed out on a place in the final.
After performing the American Smooth and the Salsa, the combination of the viewer votes and judges' scores left Austin and his partner Erin Boag in the bottom two with Lisa Snowdon and Brendan Cole.
Both couples had to perform their highest scoring dance a second time for the judges' deciding vote.
Of Austin and Erin's American Smooth dance the judges said:
Arlene Phillips: "I'm just going to give a tiny bit of advice, yes your hands and arms have improved. You mustn't let Erin out dance you, you've got to come out and dance like a star – you played rugby for England, now I want you to come out and dance for England." Score: 8
Len Goodman: "I am over excited tonight because I think we have four absolutely fantastic couples and anyone can win. I thought you did a great job; I was worried about the lifts when I saw the little film beforehand but you mastered them beautifully. In hold you are fantastic. One or two times in the open parts you know you could have had a little bit more 'Hollywood' but overall I think it was a great job and well done." Score: 9
Bruno Tonioli: "Austin, this had a lovely light and airy quality like a glider in an upward swell. Your arms were better and you managed to get your shoulders down. It worked and you built up beautifully with spectacular lifts at the end. Len is right, it needed a little bit more push on the Hollywood glamour but a good job." Score: 9
Craig Revel Horwood: "I don't have that much to complain about. I thought it was very smooth; it had a lot of control particularly in all your spins and turns but I though it was a rather safe performance. All the way through until those very dangerous lifts which I thought were good. It was good, but what I'm saying is I was slightly bored during the first part. I'm used to your pizzazz and I felt like you didn't invest in the Hollywood pizzazz." Score: 8
The judges gave them a total of 34 out of 40 for their performance.
Of Austin and Erin's Salsa dance the judges said:
Arlene: "We know you can circle your hips but the Salsa hip action wasn't there. I had my magnifying glass out and I didn't see it. When you're dancing with Erin your performance is electric, it's masterful and I love a man to be masterful but sometimes when you're left on your own there's just that little bit of timidity. I'm saying this because I want to see you in the final. Austin be fearless you have it all, just be fearless all the time." Score: 9
Len: "Typical sportsman attitude – you get knocked in your first dance and come back stronger, more vibrant. I absolutely loved it. I thought it was great, well done." Score: 10
Bruno: "I tell you this performance will get you the pink pound! You really pushed the entertainment value, you sold it, you were incredibly excited but you lost a bit of timing in the middle. I loved the under arm passes, and the drops were excellent." Score: 9
Craig: "I'm in a similar position, I also thought it was very entertaining and all of that but I did find just some of it a little bit awkward. There were just a few moves in there that I did not believe and I didn't believe your hip action.” Score: 8
The judges gave them a total of 36 out of 40 for their performance, and a grand total of 70 out of 80.
After the dance-off, Craig, Arlene and Bruno all saved Lisa and Brendan, leaving head judge Len to comment.
Len just said: "I did agree with the judges, but I would just like to say that you have given us so much pleasure."
After Austin and Erin's elimination, Austin said: "I'd like to say three thank yous, firstly to everyone at Strictly for giving me the chance to be in something so amazing.
"Secondly, to Erin, she's been such amazing partner, and thirdly and most importantly, to my wife. She has brought up four daughters while I've been away.
"I have four beautiful daughters and the best woman in the world in my wife."
Erin added: "I would just like to say that I've had the time of my life and it's all down to having such a great person to dance with, so thank you Austin."
Check out Austin's Strictly story...
Photo: BBC
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