Alison Hammond and her professional dance partner Aljaž Skorjanec became the latest couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night's results show. The This Morning reporter and the Slovenian ballroom pro faced Caroline Flack and her partner Pasha Kovalev in the dreaded dance-off. Despite losing to Caroline, Alison left on a high note, adding that she hoped to see her rival in the final.
© Photo: BBCAlison Hammond and Aljaž Skorjanec performed the charleston
While Alison and Aljaž did their charleston to Friend like Me by Robin Williams, Caroline and Pasha performed their waltz to Three Times a Lady by The Commodores. It was a unanimous vote by judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, who all agreed to save birthday girl Caroline and professional Russian dancer Pasha. "One is a fun dance, one is a very serious dance but I have to go for the best dance and that is Caroline and Pasha," said Craig.
© Photo: BBCAlison Hammond called her dance partner Aljaž Skorjanec 'patient and so kind'
Darcey and Bruno agreed, saying that they would like to save the same pair. With three votes cast, head judge Len admitted that he would have given the same decision. "I would have agreed with my colleagues and saved Caroline and Pasha," said Len. Alison, who will not be making it to next week's dance in Blackpool, exited the competition gracefully, giving a special mention to her rival TV presenter. "Caroline smashed it tonight," said Alison. "I want her to go on and get to the final. I've had the best time ever and I am still going to Blackpool and I don't care what anyone says! "I've had the best time, thank you judges for all your comments, I've had an absolute ball. I'd say to anyone who is thinking about doing this show to just go for it and do it, I don't care what colour you are or what size you are, I've loved it."
© Photo: BBCPasha Kovalev and Caroline Flack were also in the dance-off
Turning to her dedicated dance partner Aljaž, she said: "From day one when I got you I thought I'd won! Thank you for being so patient and so kind you have been amazing. I really genuinely from the bottom of my heart love you as a friend." An emotional Aljaž returned the compliments, saying: "I am extremely proud, I can't describe really how much fun and laughter we had from the very first day and I am definitely going to miss that. I am going to miss you a lot and this definitely won't be our last dance." Strictly's Remembrance Day special featured a special performance from Katherine Jenkins singing We'll Gather Lilacs, and a dance routine by Pasha and Ola Jordan, to mark the commemorative event.
