Pixie Lott voted off Strictly Come Dancing in shock elimination... despite being one of the favourites to win
Pop princess Pixie Lott has made a surprise exit from Strictly Come Dancing when she became the tenth celebrity to leave the competition.
Despite being one of the favourites to win after triumphing in last night's 'waltz-a-thon', her partner's propensity to illegally lift her higher and higher was enough to kick her out of the quarter finals.
She nailed second place in last night's show, but the audience votes earned her a spot in the dance-off alongside Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff.
Scroll down for video
Total shock: Despite being among the favourites to win the competition, Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon were eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday
Upset: Pixie looked upset as she was told of her unexpected fate on the show and had her dreams crushed
The Boys and Girls singer repeated her Cha Cha to the Glee Cast version of Love Shack.
Judge Len Goodman had criticised the performance on Saturday for containing illegal lifts and awkward legs.
The dance put her third at 35 points in last night's show, but she was redeemed by her performance in the group 'waltz-a-thon', when all six couples waltzed on the floor at the same time in a bid to win all-important extra marks from the judges.
Time to say goodbye: Pixie and Trent were watched by an emotional Kristina and Simon as they said their goodbyes
The pair were pipped to the post in the dance off by Blue singer Simon's American Smooth to Heartache Tonight by Michael Buble.
It was the first and last time Lott and her partner Trent Whiddon faced elimination in this year's competition.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Lott and Whiddon, saying: 'It's quite tough at this stage in the competition, but I am going to save Pixie and Trent.'
Surprising result: It was the first and last time Lott and her partner Trent Whiddon faced elimination in this year's competition
Some hope: Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Lott and Whiddon, saying: 'It's quite tough at this stage in the competition, but I am going to save Pixie and Trent'
Bruno Tonioli also came to their rescue, adding: 'It was really good seeing you both again, both of you were absolutely brilliant and better than Saturday night but for me, I have to go for overall dance ability and tonight, Pixie and Trent stood out.'
However Darcey Bussell favoured their rivals, saying, 'I wish I wasn't having to choose between these two couples.
'They've become outstanding performers, but having to judge tonight's dance-off - the couple I would love to save is Simon and Kristina.'
The dream is over: Pixie tried to remain upbeat despite her devastation at being voted out of the show
Rivals: The pair were beaten by Blue's Simon Webbe, who progresses to the semi-final with his partner
And head judge Goodman sealed the Higher and Higher singer's exit, commenting: 'I have to judge this on this one dance that I have seen - not what has been in the past, [or] what my expectations are in the future. I tell you - this is hard as a judge but harder as person but I am judging it and I know when I drive home, in my heart, I have the right result for me, and my winners were Simon and Kristina.'
Speaking after the verdict , Lott expressed her gratitude at being given the chance to dance.
She said: 'I was absolutely loving it, I had the best time ever. I am sad that I won't get to learn the Salsa and the American Smooth next week. I have honestly loved this experience so much and I am so pleased that I decided to do it. I couldn't have asked for a better dance partner - honestly, Trent, you have been amazing. I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for it.'
Fancy footwork: The routine bagged them 35 points but caused Len Goodman to crack out his whip due to some 'illegal lifts and awkward legs'
'Your leg action was inconsistent and distracting!': Goodman was less than impressed with Pixie's moves and was a factor in her elimination
Surprise: It was the first and last time Lott and her partner Trent Whiddon faced elimination in this year's competition
Surviving another week: The pair were pipped to the post in the dance off by Blue singer Simon's American Smooth to Heartache Tonight by Michael Buble
Going for gold: Simon and Kristina danced the American Smooth for which they were awarded 35 points on Saturday
Whiddon added: 'I couldn't have asked for a better partner, someone who is a super talent and so hard working - the nicest, sweetest, most genuine person you could ever meet. I have had such a fantastic time. She is so fantastic and deserves all the success in the world. I wish her all the very best.'
Sunday's results show featured a special performance by American band OneRepublic.
Strictly Come Dancing is back next weekend for the semi finals at 6.50pm on BBC One.
'You've got the wow factor': Bruno Tonioli said Simon's dancing was so good he could perform in Vegas
'It feels like we've won already': Webbe was thoroughly pleased with all the judges' comments and thrilled to make it through another week
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2864504/Pixie-Lott-voted-Strictly-Come-Dancing-shock-elimination-despite-one-favourites-win.html#ixzz3LIZxjU1H
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
