BBC Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalists confirmed as stars get 'special' messages
The remaining celebrities and their professional partners sailed into the semi-finals next week following Nigel Harman's last minute exit on medical grounds as they were spurred on by some familiar faces.
Strictly Come Dancing returned on Sunday night for what would usually be its results show. However, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed on Saturday that no elimination would take place.
It comes as Nigel Harman was forced to exit the BBC competition alongside his partner Katya Jones just hours before the live show on Saturday. He pulled out ahead of musicals week after sustaining a rib injury, with the pair becoming emotional at having to leave.
The former EastEnders star admitted he was "disappointed" at having to bow out despite coming so far in the competition, as viewers were told the votes from Saturday night would be carried into the semi-finals.
This meant Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft -, alongside their professional partners - were sent sailing into the semi-finals in the battle for the glitterball trophy.
Layton Williams and his partner Nikita Kuzmin dominated the top of the leaderboard with the first perfect score of 40 on Saturday. Craig Revel-Horwood said the dance was "fabulous" as he finally awarded a 10 - a 2023 series first.
On Sunday's show, Layton received a 'special message' from Doctor Who star Billie Piper, who praised him for his performances and said she hopes to be able to come and watch him live next week when he takes on the Charleston and Rumba.
Meanwhile, Ellie and Vito were hot on their heels with a score of 36 to a performative dance inspired by Beauty and the Beast on Saturday night.
On Sunday, the Corrie star got a sweet message from her former primary school, who featured her in their newsletter in support. The actress will be performing a cha-cha as one of her dance numbers next week.
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Bobby Brazier and his partner Dianne Buswell came third with their Dirty Dancing number as Craig said their iconic lift from the movie "failed" but were praised on a "terrific" performance by Anton Du Beke.
Sunday's show saw them chat to hosts Tess and Claudia as Bobby was shown a video message from his god sister Ada who admitted she cried at last night's performance as he prepares for his two routines doing the quickstep and the Paso Doble.
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe were last however still got encouragement for her footwork and acting skills despite being up against her co-stars who have experience in the acting or musical theatre industries.
The Tennis legend received a message from good pal Bear Grylls, who spurred her on for the final leap. All the remaining couples will perform two different routines in Saturday's show next week to impress the judges and earn their spot in the final.
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