STAR AXED: Fan favourite Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is booted off Strictly Come Dancing after shock dance-off – tears as Amber SAVED by judges

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was sent packing by the judges despite receiving his best score in the comeptition so far. The former Chelsea footballer, 53, and his partner Lauren Oakley wound up in the bottom two with Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.

For Icon’s Week, Jimmy had transformed into Prince to perform an American Smooth to Purple Rain and finished joint third of the leaderboard. While Amber and Nikita took the second spot from the judges’ scores with their Cha Cha Cha to Break Free by Ariana Grande.

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges unanimously voted to save Amber who was seen crying after Jimmy was given the axe.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley are the latest couple to leave Strictly (Image:

Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Speaking after the elimination, Jimmy said he never expected to enjoy the show so much. “I can only say thank you very much for letting me have this experience and to my daughters for pushing me to come here and do this. I never expected that I would enjoy it this much. The people behind the scenes, from the wardrobe people to the hairdressers to the make-up people, are absolutely magnificent – thank you very much.

“This experience is going to live with me forever. Most importantly, [to Lauren] this girl, she is just absolutely incredible. She has been absolutely amazing with me. You are a diamond,” he told Lauren.

A shock result saw Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin compete with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley for a final place (
Lauren said “I am absolutely gutted that it’s come to an end. We’ve had so many laughs. We have had the best time and I am so proud of how far he has come. And it proves that anyone can be a dancer if you put your mind to it. He’s a footballer! And he just danced like that. We’ve had the best time and I’m just so proud and I feel honoured to have been able to teach you. You’ve been an amazing student’”

Jimmy added: “The only thing you can do is dance as best as you can and then it’s up to the public. I was actually quite happy to dance again because I wanted to do better than my previous one. So listen, I have had a blast. From the people up there [pointing to the other couples], to the judges – thank you very much for your comments.”

Fans have been left fuming by the result, though, with many claiming that the results have been “fixed”. One said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Wow, shock, the West End star is better at dancing than the football player?? Fix #Strictly.” Another said: “Feel for Jimmy. Didn’t deserve to go out this early. Enjoyed his partnership with Lauren. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

“Really feel sorry for Jimmy, should never be going home, just don’t understand this nonsense #StrictlyComeDancing,” said another. “It’s a fix. #Strictly,” fumed a fourth.

Sunday night’s results show featured a performance of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina by Hollywood and West End star Rachel Zegler, accompanied by a routine from our fabulous Professional Dancers Nikita Kuzmin and Luba Mushtuk.

The Strictly Professionals also performed a Britney Spears group dance, paying tribute to Britney’s many iconic eras.

The remaining ten couples will take to the dancefloor for a Halloween special, when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 1 November at 6.35pm, with the results show on Sunday 2 November at 7.15pm.