BBC Strictly Come Dancing star says 'I'm so sorry' to pro partner following show exit

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have seen the second celebrity leave the competition after Toyah Willcox and Paul Merson went head to head in the dance-off

Strictly Come Dancing's Sunday night episode brought the tension to a peak with its second elimination of the series after a nail-biting dance-off.

The results show saw Toyah Willcox and her partner Neil Jones bid farewell to the popular BBC One dance contest, as they were pitted against Paul Merson and Karen Hauer in the bottom two. Toyah expressed her dismay at the outcome with a heartfelt six-word reaction: "I feel so sorry for Neil!"

In a bid to remain in the competition, both pairs took to the dance floor once more; Toyah and Neil delivered their Samba to the tune of Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, while Paul and Karen showcased their Cha Cha to the theme of The Magnificent Seven.

The judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, were unanimous in their decision to save Paul and Karen, giving them the majority vote. Head judge Shirley Ballas concurred, indicating she would have made the same choice.

Reflecting on her departure and her journey on the show, Toyah shared: "It's been the best two months of my life, it has been fantastic. I have enjoyed every second. And you (Neil) have been phenomenal, thank you so much.", reports the Mirror.

She gushed about her professional dance partner, saying: "It was immediate, it had to be Neil. I felt so comfortable and safe. You're a great teacher, you're a great friend as well. You've just given me a new zest for life, that's the most valuable thing I've come away with."

Neil also shared his thoughts: "She has made me laugh so much, I have never seen someone work so hard - I'm the one asking for breaks every now and then! She just kept going, she wanted to learn so much. If you saw her in the hallway she's been practicing. Everyone's been telling me have you seen Toyah practicing, she's brilliant and she's what Strictly is all about, and I've loved every moment."

The news follows the recent departure of Olympian Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova, who were the first couple to be voted off the show.

In other highlights from Sunday's results show, which celebrated Movie Week, viewers were treated to a romantic comedy-themed dance by choreographer Mandy Moore, with Neil taking the lead role. The episode also featured an enthralling musical rendition of 'The Heart Asks Pleasure First' by Alexis Ffrench.

With the competition heating up, the remaining 13 couples are set to dazzle once again when Strictly Come Dancing continues next week.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer