Who left Strictly this week? Dr Ranj Singh loses to Charles Venn in the dance off

(BBC)

Dr Ranj Singh has danced his last dance on Strictly, becoming the sixth celebrity to leave the show on Sunday night.

Once the judges’ scores were combined with the viewers’ votes, it was Singh and his professional partner Janette Manrara, and Charles Venn and his professional partner Karen Clifton, who were left in the bottom two.

Venn and Clifton performed their Viennese Waltz to “Piano Man” by Billy Joel once more, while Singh and Manrara gave their samba to George Michael’s “Freedom 90” another whirl.

Here were the judges’ verdicts:

Craig Revel Horwood:

“I found this one really difficult actually, two very different dancers, two very different sets of dance skill as well. But for me the most improved in that set of skills was Ranj and Janette.

Darcey Bussell:

“Again, I don’t want to choose between these two lovely gentlemen but for me the more improved performance on the night was Charles and Karen.”

Bruno Tonioli:

“Can I have them both?! Completely contrasting dances, both very entertaining. But I have to choose the most polished dancer and performer and for that reason I choose Charles and Karen.”

Shirley Ballas:

“First of all for me it’s a heart-breaking decision ‘cause I think both couples have done amazingly well. Both couples have made little iddy-biddy errors that I can see but due to great timing, sophistication I am going to choose Charles and Karen.”

There are now 10 couples left in the competition, which will continue at the usual time of 7pm next Saturday.

“I can’t express how much this has meant to me,” Singh said of his time on the show. “I have made friends for life. I’ve done something that I only could have dreamed of. I just want to say to anyone who ever dreams of this you can, you really can, ’cause I’m here and I’ve done it.”

Manrara added: “I just want to say he is an incredible human being for what he does as an actual job. He is there saving children’s lives and he is a special, special man. On this show you get to celebrate people that have never done something like this before and for me Ranj is the epitome about what Strictly Come Dancing is about. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, a better partner or better series I love you so so much. Thank you.”