Strictly-all female as Patrick finds it a step too far

Sophie Ellis Bextor, Abbey Clancy and Susanna Reid all made it through while Natalie Gumede survived a dance-off with Robinson during last night’s eviction to dance again for the Strictly trophy.

This week’s semi-final saw each couple perform two dance routines, a ballroom and a latin dance. The judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes to decide the lowest scoring two couples facing the dance-off.

Robinson and his partner Anya Garnis faced last night’s dance off for the third time, while Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev were in the bottom two for the first time.

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts with Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Toniolo all choosing to save Gumede and her partner. Head judge Len Goodman said he agreed with his fellow judges and would also have saved the couple.

Looking back at his time on the show, Casualty star Robinson said: “I’ve had an incredible journey, an incredible time, what an experience.”

The couples’ magical performances were complemented by real magician Dynamo, from Bradford, who featured on last night’s show.

He quipped: “Without wanting to spoil it this is the semi-final week and I already know who is going to win Strictly this year – I think it will surprise you all.”