Joe Calzaghe suffers first ever knockout

Sunday, 18th October 2009.

Unbeaten ex-boxer Joe Calzaghe is the latest celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.

He and professional partner dance Kristina Rihanoff had to dance off against Footballers’ Wives actress Zoe Lucker and her partner James Jordan.

But it wasn’t to be the Welshman’s night when all four Strictly judges felt his time was up and voted for Zoe to remain on the show.

He was lucky to last until week three

Calzaghe’s popularity saw him gain immense public support in weeks one and two despite some dreadful performances on the dancefloor.

And even head judge Len Goodman thought the 37 year-old had shown marked improvement, telling him: "Last week and this week we can start to see a development as a dancer. Well done.

But when Goodman, along with Alesha Dixon, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli all voted for his rival to stay in the competition, Joe took the news well: "It's the way it goes. It's been a great experience,” he said.

Partner Kristina added: "It's been amazing to teach someone like him and I'm so lucky to have him as my partner."

The pair has been the subject of intense tabloid speculation since they began training, with countless reports that they’ve become more than just professional partners.

But the rumours will have to continue with the pair off screen as Joe –who hung up his gloves in 2008 after an unblemished boxing career – also hangs up his dancing shoes.

Next week the eleven remaining couples will perform a samba or American Smooth as they bid for support from the judges and public.