Who left Strictly Come Dancing? Jamie Borthwick is the ninth celeb to waltz away from the competition after fans blasted judges for ‘constantly marking down’ the EastEnders star

Strictly‘s Jamie Borthwick and professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas became the ninth couple to leave the competition during Sunday night’s results show.

The EastEnders star, 30 was eliminated after landing in the dreaded dance off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe.

Saturday’s show saw furious fans blasting the judges for ‘constantly down-marking’ the actor, prompting some to accuse the panel of ‘favouritism’.     

Nevertheless the both bottom two couples took to the floor again, Jamie and Michelle performed their Foxtrot but the judges decided that Montell and Johannes’s Quickstep was better.

All four judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas chose to save the Gladiators star, after she found herself in the bottom for a third time. 

Speaking about his time on the show, Jamie told host Tess Daly: ‘Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show’. 

He went on to gush over his fellow participants before turning his attentions to partner Michelle: ‘She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you’.

Meanwhile Michelle, who made her debut on the show this year, added: ‘I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is’. 

‘It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.’ 

Sunday’s results show also features a phenomenal performance from the Sugababes, who took to the dance floor with a medley of hits Overload, Freak Like Me and Push The Button.

Despite many viewers raving over Jamie’s routine on the main show, Jamie was once again harshly critiqued by the judges – prompting some to accuse the panel of ‘favouritism’.

Commenting on the soap star’s routine before voting, judge Anton said: ‘Right arm is terrible.’

And Craig certainly didn’t hold back as he added: ‘There were time where it looked like you were wearing a neck-brace. It keeps containing the dance. 

Meanwhile head judge Shirley also corrected the actor on his chin position, with the couple bagging 32 points overall.

Viewers of the hit BBC show raced to X – where they ranted the judging panel has been ‘picky’ and ‘negative’ towards Jamie and said he didn’t deserve to be the second pair voted out of the Sambathon. 

They wrote: ‘I’m getting sick of Jamie constantly being downmarked by the judges. I thought that Foxtrot was gorgeous. I hope he isn’t at risk this week. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing’; 

‘FFS – sick of the judges giving Jamie a bloody lecture every week #strictly’; ‘I dont understand why they’re always soo picky with Jamie. But they let others get away with murder I thought his dance was great #strictly’; ‘Shirley absolutely murdering Jamie again – for no good reason #strictly’;

‘These judges hate jamie so much omg they break his spirit every single week… #strictly’: ‘Me when Shirley pulled out that paddle for Jamie. Even Craig gave it an 8! #Strictly’: ‘That sambathon so exposed the judges favouritism cause like pete still on while jamie is sent off??? what??? #strictly’; 

‘The way these judges are towards jamie at times compared to other celebs who are much worse is actually quite uncomfortable to watch #Strictly’; ‘JAMIE SENT OFF WHILE PETE IS STILL ON WHAT THE HELL #strictly’.

‘I could genuinely watch Jamie Borthwick dance all day. People need to stop sleeping on him cos he knocked this Foxtrot out of the park! The way you just know he loves dancing & learning for the sheer joy of dancing & learning #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing’;

‘How is Pete better than Jamie ffs! These judges are a joke with the favourites #Strictly’; ‘I think Jamie was a hell of a lot better than his marks reflected but the judges are always nitpicking with him! #Strictly’; 

‘yeah these judges hate Jamie and want him out lmao, him off before Pete is CRAZY #strictly’; ‘The ABYSMAL Shirley Ballas she tore our gorgeous nigel harmans confidence down every week and now she’s doing the same to precious jamie #Strictly’; 

‘Jamie and Sarah need to start their own show because they’re being held to some sort of impeccable standard that apparently everyone else is immune to #strictly’;

Elsewhere fans were delighted after Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec scored the first perfect 40 of the series.

The Love Island star, 26, and Slovenian pro, 34, impressed both the judges and viewers with their American Smooth, with even in Craig scoring his first ten of 2024.

After famously hard to please judge scored full marks fellow judges Shirley and Motsi  jumping to their feet, as pandemonium erupted in the Clauditorium. 

Rushing to X fans gushed over the ‘perfect’ perfomance, as well as praising Craig for ‘finally’ proffering a much sought after ten points.

Writing: ‘Tasha and Alijaz’s perfomance was just perfect. A 40 well deserved (and finally, Craig!)’: ‘FINALLY a flash of Craig’s 10 paddle! So well deserved and so glad Tasha was the first to score 40!’: ‘I love Tassha and Alijaz so much. beautiful American Smooth and thoroughly deserved the first 40 of the series’. 

Earlier in the show fans were left emotional as Amy Dowden, weeks after she was forced to quit the competition following a foot injury.

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the Welsh pro, 34, in the Clauditorium as she supported  former partner JB Gill and her replacement Lauren Oakley. 

JB and Lauren scored an impressive 39 out of 40 for their Charleston and also won the Sambathon. 

Amy looked sensational in a sparkly pink fringed dress as she stood close to pal and fellow dancer Carol Gu, 31, who supportively wrapped his arm around her waist.