Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara are the first couple to leave this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The couple received the lowest number of public votes along with Anastacia and Brendan, but Anastacia was unable to perform in the dance off due to injury.
DJ and TV presenter Melvin Odoom and partner Janette Manrara are the first couple to be eliminated from this year's Strictly Come Dancing after tonight's live results show.
The pair were up against Anastacia and Brendan Cole in the dance-off after the two couples received the lowest number of public votes.
However, Anastacia, who had damaged scar tissue from her double mastectomy during rehearsals, was deemed too injured to perform again in the dance-off.
As per Strictly’s rules, if one of the two dance-off participants can’t perform, the vote is automatically reverted back to that of the public - meaning Melvin was the first contestant to be eliminated from the show.
On hearing he received the lowest number of votes, Melvin said: “Every single person on this show; the contestants, the dancers, the production, the judges, everyone is absolutely amazing.
“It’s a blessing to be on the show and thank you for Janette, it’s been a great experience for me, thank you!”
Melvin failed to impress the judges last night after the pair performed a Tango to M People's 'Movin' on Up'.
Craig Revel Horwood described the dance as 'mediocre' and said Melvin's frame and posture were a 'worry'. Len said he thought Melvin gave it a good go, despite the 'stomping and wonky right shoulder'.
The couple scored a total of 23 points, placing them second-to-bottom of the leaderboard above Ed Balls and his partner Katya.
Speaking after the results were announced, Janette Manara said: “In this industry, we get to meet a lot of different kind of people and I think Melvin is one of those individuals that you meet and never forget from the first moment you meet them.
“He’s got such a beautiful soul, such a gorgeous smile, an infectious personality and I just want to thank you for making this, although short, an extremely sweet journey amazing for me.”
The couple took to the dance floor to perform their last dance to The Beatles' Yesterday, but rather than stick to a set routine the pair took the opportunity to dance freely together.
Next week's Strictly sees the couples take on 'Movie Week'. Judge Rinder has already revealed he will play Fred Flintstone, while model Daisy Lowe will dance as Mary Poppins.
Strictly continues on Saturday at 6:45pm on BBC1.
