BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Michelle Tsiakkas says 'I've waited two years' as she defends Jamie Borthwick

Michelle Tsiakkas defended her celebrity dance partner's improvement in Strictly Come Dancing as they became the latest couple to to leave the hit show.

The professional dancer and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick became the ninth couple to depart the BBC One dance contest, with their exit coming just a week before the quarter-final of the 2024 series.

During Sunday night's (November 24) results show, Jamie and Michelle landed in the dance-off against Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe, who had to fight for their place in this year's competition for a second week in a row.

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The dance-off saw EastEnders star Jamie and pro dancer Michelle reprise their graceful foxtrot to Stand By Me by Ben E King, which landed them a score of 32 from the judges during Saturday's (November 23) live show. Then, Montell and Johannes performed their quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald again in a bid to impress the judges.

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges unanimously agreed to save Montell and Johannes, sending Jamie, who won Strictly's Christmas special last year with pro dancer Nancy Xu, and Michelle home.

Reflecting on his time on the show, soap star Jamie hailed Strictly Come Dancing as "magic" and praised those who work on the show. He told co-host Tess Daly: "Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here (the judges), but everyone who works on this show, I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time."

Jamies, who was the first celebrity partner for Michelle after she joined the show in 2022, praised her as being the "most amazing teacher". He added: "We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you."

Michelle returned the sentiment as she seemingly defended him after fans regularly pointed out he faced harsh criticism from the judges, saying: "Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way."