Tears flow as Lisa Riley voted 
off Strictly Come Dancing

The ex-Emmerdale star lost out in the dance-off to former favourite Denise Van Outen, who finished in the bottom two for the second week running despite achieving the second highest score from the judges.

Both contestants received the lowest points totals after Saturday night’s judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes.

They performed their highest scoring routines, with Riley and partner Robin Windsor dancing the American smooth to All That Jazz from the musical Chicago, and Van Outen and James Jordan dancing the tango to Roxanne by The Police.

Both pairs received standing ovations from the audience before the judges delivered their verdict.

Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Van Outen and Jordan, saying: “Purely based on technique, Denise and James.”

Darcey Bussell agreed with Revel Horwood as she added: “This is so hard but yes, technically, the ones I’m going to save are Denise and James.”

Bruno also chose to save Van Outen and said: “First I have to say you’ve both done so well to come this far, great dancing, great entertainment but I have to go for the best dance and that was delivered by Denise and James.”

The unanimous vote meant Riley became the 10th celebrity to exit the competition, leaving Van Outen, gymnast Louis Smith, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and actress Dani Harmer as the celebrities battling it out for the glitterball trophy in Saturday’s final.

Riley wept as she received a standing ovation from the judges and the studio audience.

“It’s been the best time of my entire life, I can’t thank you enough,” she said. “From the costume to the makeup, everybody backstage is just beyond belief, and all the judges, I’ve had the time of my life.”

Fighting back tears, Windsor said: “From day one this whole experience this year has been absolutely amazing.”