Strictly fans share their disappointment after hockey player Sam Quek became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from the 2024 series.

Quek and his partner Nikita Kuzmin were left dancing tonight after the judges gave them a 29 for their American Smooth to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe were also there, after scoring 35 points for their waltz to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

After the couples performed their dances one more time, the judges voted to save Douglas and Radebe, meaning Quek was eliminated.

Speaking afterwards to host Tess Daly, Quek said: “I’m gutted, I just want to say thank you. I learned so much. Strictly just brought that spring back in my step back. It was just an absolute joy. Nikita, you helped me find this inner Sam who was there, who remained a little silent for maybe one or two years and who has just come back. I’m empty because I feel like I have more to give.

Kuzmin said: “I’m just impressed with this girl. Sometimes they say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but for me it’s about the companionship. Sam, you are the most wonderful company I could have had.

Many fans took to social media to share their feelings on the news.

“I was really gutted about Sam Quek’s exit, I thought she would go to Blackpool. She is still a wonderful soul and a great athlete,” one viewer wrote.

Another added: “Sam Quek was my favorite on Strictly. So, again, my favorite is coming out relatively early.

A third wrote: “Sam Quek’s departure is another example of the flawed electoral system. »

“That Strictly the result was a parody,” shared a fourth. “What are you playing at by voting? Sam shouldn’t have gone home, and Montell and Jojo shouldn’t have joined the dance. I’m gutted to see Sam go.

Tonight’s results show followed an emotional live episode on Saturday. Professional dancer Amy Dowden was unable to perform with partner JB Gill this week after falling ill, but she still attended the show and was moved to tears by her partner’s dance.

We hope that Dowden, who only returned to competition this year following treatment for breast cancer, will be able to perform on the show as usual next week.

Strictly Come Dance will return to BBC One next Saturday at 6.35pm.