Judge Robert Rinder has left 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Oksana Platero and Judge Rinder

Oksana Platero and Judge Rinder

The 38-year-old television personality narrowly missed out on a place in the BBC One latin and ballroom show's semi-final after fellow contestant Ore Oduba won the dance-off on Sunday (04.12.16) evening.

He said: "I honestly don't know what to say, every single person involved in this programme has so much love for it and that permeates through the screen. It's a joy to be here, every single person, there's too many people to thank but I even want to thank the judges. I know how difficult it is sometimes to be a judge and you do it with authenticity and enthusiasm and thank you all for your comments.

"And my last thank you and my most important one is to this truly extraordinary person, this teacher that has shown me from somebody who could barely walk to music with no dance experience at all, to find a passion and a love for dance and that's the best kind of teaching. You are never too old to try something new and everyone should try dancing, thank you so much."

And his professional dancing partner Oksana Platero - who made her 'Strictly' debut in the show this year - was full of praise for the television judge.

Speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, she added: "This is my first season on Strictly and I had an unforgettable time and I want to say thank you to everyone involved with the show and I am especially grateful for making this partnership happen."

In the dance off, Ore was put through after the judges unanimously voted to save the sports presenter and partner Joanne Clifton.

'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on Saturday December 10, where the remaining celebrities will have to do two dances in a bid to impress the judges.