Strictly's Michelle Tsiakkas admits to 'tough week' in run-up to Jamie Borthwick's shock exit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Michelle Tsiakkas has opened up about Jamie Borthwick's struggles before their emotional Strictly Come Dancing departure, following fans shock over the recent eliminations.EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick was the ninth star to depart from the BBC One dance floor alongside partner Michelle on Sunday night (November 24), after a tense dance-off with Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe.Performing their foxtrot once again to Stand By Me by Ben E King, which had previously earned them 32 points on Saturday's (November 23) live show, Jamie and Michelle were unable to sway the judges.

Montell and Johannes, repeating their high-scoring quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald, sealed their place in the competition with an initial score of 37.Following a unanimous decision by the judging panel, Jamie and Michelle took their final bow.

Soap legend Jamie shared heartfelt words with host Tess Daly, calling his Strictly journey "magic" and expressing gratitude towards the team behind the scenes.

Michelle, holding back tears, praised Jamie, who marked her first celeb partner since she debuted on the show in 2022. "Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week," she commended, reports the Manchester Evening News. "He's worked so hard to get to where he is.