Joe Calzaghe was voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing' last night (17.10.09).
The Welsh boxer and his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff - who are believed to have been dating since they met on the reality show - were kicked off the BBC1 programme after their Jive dance routine failed to impress.
Despite getting the boot, judges Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli admitted the muscular hunk's moves were slowly improving.
Bruno said: "For the first time there were moments where you were on time."
Joe and the buxom blonde lost out to British actress Zoe Lucker and her partner James Jordan, who were in the bottom two despite impressing the judges with their Jive.
Making their decision on who to save, the judges said.
Craig Revel Horwood: ‘For me the choice is clear it’s Zoe and James’
Alesha Dixon: ‘I think this is such a shame because I’m sad to see this couple go but I have to save Zoe and James’.
Bruno Tonioli: ‘Well for me really it is plain to see Zoe and James have to stay’.
With three votes cast in their favour, Zoe and James were saved and through to next weeks show making Head Judge Len Goodman’s vote academic, although he said his vote would have also gone to Zoe and James. Len commented: ‘This shows that no one is safe, it doesn’t matter how high up (they are). But I again had to go with Zoe and James, during the show Joe and Kristina were awarded 21 points for their Jive Waltz by the judges.
On leaving the competition Joe said: ‘I’ve had a great experience, it’s been fantastic’
Kristina asked if she had enjoyed herself said, ‘Absolutely, it’s been amazing to teach someone like him. I’m so lucky to have him as my partner’
Last night’s show also saw Spandau Ballet perform a special version of their classic hit ‘Gold’ and viewers were treated to a Samba by Strictly’s professional dancers. As well as this,
Strictly’s Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace danced a spectacular Waltz Tango - never seen before on the show.
Next week, the remaining 11 couples in the competition will perform either a Samba or an American Smooth.
Joe and Kristina's departure from the show means a sex ban - which was reportedly imposed on them by the BBC - will have been lifted.
Speaking of the rules imposed on the couple, one of Kristina's friends said: "The chemistry is extraordinary between the two of them.
It's totally electric. It's all Joe can do to somehow keep himself in check. He has a constant urge to carry her off to bed - but the BBC have asked her to keep it platonic while the show is on. He's telling everyone that she's a top girl who is absolutely irresistible."
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