'I did pretty well for my age': Johnny Ball makes emotional farewell as he becomes first celebrity voted off Strictly Come Dancing
By J J ANISIOBI
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After finishing Saturday night's show just below the midway point on the leader board, Johnny Ball was the surprise evictee from Strictly Come Dancing.
The former television presenter found himself and partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance off against Daybreak's Richard Arnold and Erin Boag.
After giving his all in his final waltz, Johnny was applauded and given a standing ovation as he emotionally said: 'I did pretty well for my age'.
Over and out: Johnny Ball became the latest celebrity to be sent home on Strictly Come Dancing
Swan song: The other Strictly contestants joined Johnny and Iveta on the dance floor to say goodbye
Face off: Richard Arnold was saved by the judges as they unanimously sent Johnny Ball home
On hearing the news that Johnny was in the bottom two, Bruno said: 'It's very very hard, he produced a really good moment. Then he got better.
'Johnny do your best go out there and give us a great dance.'
Judge Darcey Bussell also showed some shock at the news that Arnold and Ball were going to compete in the dance off.
First out: Johnny was gutted to be the very first celebrity to be voted off this year's show
Very colourful: Richard Arnold and partner Erin Boag did their best to avoid elimination in the dance off
The last waltz: Johnny and Iveta performed a simple dance but were well received by the crowd
Darcey said: 'I think it's really very hard. I think he definitely improved on last week. The technique wasn't brilliant so maybe that was it.'
Both men were full of fighting talk ahead of the dance off with Richard saying: 'We are gonna put our hearts and souls into it. We'll do that.'
Johnny was less aggressive and seemed very emotional as he said: 'I think we've been the funniest. It's sad that one of us will go.
'I'm gonna go and enjoy it. We are gonna give it our best shot.'
News just in: Daybreak's Richard did not put in a strong performance but it was just good enough
See you soon: Rivals Richard and Johnny hugged it out after the result was announced
Game over: Johnny and Iveta took in the applause after he announced that he did pretty well for his age
Richard and Erin were the first pair to hit the floor as they performed a colorful routine to the song Love Shack by The B52's.
Next up Johnny and Erin waltzed elegantly to rapturous applause having done all they could to impress the judges.
Each judge was asked the name of the couple they wanted to save with Craig Revel Horwood being asked first.
Farewell old friend: Johnny was given a standing ovation by the audience and judges
Bouncing with joy: Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor were over the moon to be put through to next week's show
Olympic effort: Louis Smith and professional dancer Flavia Cacace showed relief as they survived
Soap star: Sid Owen and Ola Jordan punched the air with joy as they went through to next week's show
Craig said: 'Based on content alone I would like to save Richard and Erin,' and Darcey agreed with him and also saved the pair.
Bruno gave his support to the younger couple and said: 'I thought both of them were a bit shaky but I understand. Content alone for that reason I would go for Richard and Erin.'
Although his decision was not needed to seal Johnny's fate, Len also agreed and added: 'I did agree with my colleagues, yes.'
Jive talking: Show favourite Denise Van Outen sailed through to the next show
The good life: Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer will salsa after being voted through
A clearly emotional Ball struggled to speak and said: 'I think for my age I did quite, quite well. I'm so disappointed I'm leaving, I really, really am.'
As Tess Daly closed the show, Johnny and Erin had one last dance together as the other contestants joined them on the floor.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2217659/Johnny-Ball-makes-emotional-farewell-voted-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html#ixzz29K1Avbh9
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