BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Michelle Tsiakkas admits what really happened with Jamie Borthwick in week before exit

Michelle Tsiakkas has told fans of the challenge Jamie Borthwick faced in the lead-up to their Strictly Come Dancing exit after fans expressed their shock and disappointment at the latest results.

EastEnders star Jamie became the ninth contestant to leave the BBC One dance contest alongside professional dancer Michelle during Sunday night's (November 24) results show after landing in the dreaded dance-off against Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe.

Jamie and Michelle reprised 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 before Montell and Johannes performed their quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald again in a bid to impress the judges, which had earlier earned them a score of 37.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Jamie Borthwick tells Tess Daly 'all he can say' as he misses out on quarter-final

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges unanimously agreed to save Montell and Johannes, sending Jamie and Michelle home. Reflecting on his time on the show with co-host Tess Daly, soap star Jamie hailed Strictly as "magic" and praised those who work on the show.

Michelle also fought tears as she praised Jamie, who was her first ever celebrity partner on the show after joining back in 2022. "Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week," she said. "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."

Now, Michelle has taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor. In a gushing post alongside pictures of the pair's last performance in the Strictly ballroom, she said: "Ah partner, our journey sadly comes to an end… But what a journey it’s been. I meant it when I said that you have been the best first partner I could have wished for! Be proud…because we worked hard and really made the most of the time we had with you working 2 full on jobs at the same time."

She went on to discuss how their week leading up to their exit had panned out, saying: "This past week was your toughest yet with work, we realistically had 2 days to put it all together , and look what we achieved , a beautiful foxtrot which we both enjoyed dancing so much.

"This experience was both of our firsts, and we stuck by each other through the highs and lows and everything in between and that in itself is so special. I want to thank you for your trust in me as a teacher and your commitment every week on that dance floor. You ALWAYS gave 100%. Working together felt like hanging out and having fun with your best buddy - and that’s what we’ve become. I’ve gained a brother for life from this experience and that to me is worth more than anything else. You have a pure and sensitive soul, never change."

Michelle added: "@simonearena_official thank you for being by my side throughout and for your support and help whenever I needed it. Love you. I want to thank both mine and Jamie’s family. Your constant support and words of encouragement kept our spirits high and our drive strong xx.

"And of course, THANK YOU to everyone out there who supported us and voted for us along our beautiful journey. We were able to enjoy the most magical and joyous 10 weeks on @bbcstrictly thanks to you."