Tufnell spins out of Strictly Come Dancing

Former cricketer Phil Tufnell becomes ninth contestant voted off BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing
Former cricketer Phil Tufnell becomes ninth contestant voted off BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing
 
 

Saturday, 14, Nov 2009 10:16

By Matthew Champion.

Former England cricket star Phil Tufnell tonight became the ninth contestant voted off BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing.

The 43-year-old and dance partner Katya Virshilas lost a dance-off with EastEnders actor Ricky Groves and Erin Boag after the couples finished in the bottom two.

The judges decided that Ricky and Erin's Viennese Waltz to Nights in White Satin was superior to Phil and Katya's American Smooth to Come Fly With Me.

Explaining his decision chief judge Len Goodman said: "Well it was a very, very tough call because they both have danced beautifully tonight and both upped their game.

"However, I've got to go for the one that gave the cleaner and the more precise performance and that's Ricky and Erin."

Tufnell said afterwards that he had "enjoyed himself immensely".

Tonight's show, which saw Olympic long jumper Jade Johnson injure her knee in a dress rehearsal and pull out, was co-hosted by Ronnie Corbett after regular host Bruce Forsyth pulled out with flu.

Click here to see who's still in the competition and for more pictures from Strictly Come Dancing

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