Jessie Wallace gets dance axe

Monday, 13 October 2008

Jessie Wallace was the latest celebrity to leave 'Strictly Come Dancing' last night (12.10.08).

The former 'EastEnders' actress, who performed a quickstep with her partner Darren Bennett on Saturday night (11.10.08), became the fourth star to be knocked out of the competition after losing out in the dance-off to singer Heather Small.

Jessie was left in tears after receiving only 19 points out of a possible 40 from the judging panel.

Judge Arlene Phillips said of Jessie's first performance: "This dance needs a sporty delivery and sometimes you got that and you looked like you were on the dance floor, but sometimes you looked like you were on the football field when you were doing the kicks."

After polling the lowest number of viewers' votes and judges' scores, Jessie and Heather were asked to perform with their partners for a second time.

Judges Arlene, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli all opted to save M People singer Heather and her partner Brian Fortuna.

However, head judge Len Goodman insisted Jessie deserved to stay on the show.

He said: "I thought Jessie and Darren improved the most during that performance. Both couples made mistakes, but my vote was with them."

Jessie remained positive after her exit from the show, saying: "I wish it could have been longer, but that's the game. I've had a wicked time, Darren's brilliant."

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