Michelle Tsiakkas has opened up about the gruelling challenge her partner faced before their departure from , amidst a wave of fan dismay over the latest dance floor drama.
‘ star Jamie was the ninth celebrity to bow out of the One dancing extravaganza with his professional partner Michelle during Sunday night’s (November 24) tense results show. They faced the fierce competition in the dreaded dance-off against Olympian and her pro partner Johannes Radebe.
During Saturday night’s (November 23) live showdown, Jamie and Michelle delivered an elegant foxtrot to Stand By Me by Ben E King, clinching a respectable score of 32 from the judges. Meanwhile, Montell and Johannes took to the stage with a vibrant quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald, previously scoring a high-flying 37.
With both pairs giving their all in a bid for survival in the dance-off, the judges unanimously decided to save Montell and Johannes, marking the end for Jamie and Michelle on the show. Reflecting on the glamourous journey on Strictly with co-host Tess Daly, TV favourite Jamie said the show was “magic” and hailed the dedicated team behind the scenes.
Michelle was visibly emotional as she lauded Jamie, who is her first celebrity partner on since joining in 2022. “Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week,” she expressed, reports .
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Jamie and Michelle impressed the judge but still went home (Image: PA)
“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.”
Taking to social media to honour the actor, Michelle shared a heartfelt post accompanied by snaps of their final dance in the Strictly spotlight. She penned: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas (Image: Michelle Tsiakkas Instagram)
She continued, reflecting on the challenging week they faced before their departure from the show: “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.”
Michelle gushed over her partner: “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.”
Tess Daly gives Jamie and Michelle a hug as they exit show (Image: BBC)
She also expressed gratitude towards her support system: “@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.”
Michelle concluded with heartfelt thanks to the public: “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.”
airs on One each weekend.