Strictly Come Dancing: Jacqui Smith is first dancer to leave BBC competition

The first celebrity to be voted off this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has been revealed.

After a dance-off with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, former Labour MP and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith came crashing out of the BBC competition series.

Smith and professional dance partner Anton Du Beke were named as the couple who had the lowest number of combined judges' scores and viewers' votes alongside Laing and Karen Hauer.

After performing again, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse opted to save Laing.

Shirley Ballas did not have to cast her vote, but said she would also have saved Jamie and Karen.

When asked about her time on the show, Jacqui told co-host Tess Daly: “I had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine. I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to be with. But I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers, they really are. So I’ll be watching you and supporting you."

She thanked Du Beke, adding: "You have been just an absolute joy to be with. I am so pleased and proud to have spent this time with you.

"And to everybody on the programme I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that put this programme together and if ever we need Strictly, we need it now so thank you so much.”

The BBC is yet to officially comment on the status of Strictly following Boris Johnson's announcement of a second national lockdown from Thursday (5 November). However, the broadcaster told The Independent it "will continue to adhere to government guidelines".

At the time of writing, Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One next Saturday (7 November) as normal.

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