Saffron Barker and herStrictly Come Dancingprofessional partner AJ Pritchard ‘tried to get out of dancing the Samba’ before their exit on Sunday.
The Youtuber, 19, and professional dancer, 25, became the ninth couple to leave after the South American routine saw them knocked into the bottom two on Saturday.
Saffron toldthe Sunthey asked the show’s producers to let them skip the dance – as AJ has previously been voted off the competition twice because of it.
Devastated: Saffron Barker, 19, and AJ Pritchard, 25, became the ninth couple to leave after the Samba saw them knocked into the bottom two on Saturday
She said: ‘We tried to get out of dancing the Samba but they wouldn’t let us. ‘
And when asked if he was cursed, AJ added:’ You should ask production if they think that. ‘
The pair failed to impress during Saturday’s performance and were given just 26 points out of 40 – despite putting in 12 – hour rehearsal sessions.
They were praised by head judge Shirley Ballas for their ‘nice, bright’ Samba to Walking On Sunshine by Take Me To Rio Collective, but it wasn’t enough to stop them being sent into the bottom two for a second week running.
‘Tough’: Saffron told the Sun they asked the show’s producers to let them skip the dance – as AJ has previously been voted off the competition twice because of it
Saffron has previously said she was worried about the Samba, because AJ is usually voted out of the show after the ‘tough’ dance .
After performing their routine on Saturday she tweeted: ‘May not of got the highest scores, but the samba is tough !!!
‘ And i had THE TIME OF MY LIFE !!!
Upset: Saffron has previously said she was worried about the Samba, because AJ is usually voted out of the show after the ‘tough’ dance
‘AJ has gone home every year with the Samba .. please vote for him and us !!’
She later added the plea: ‘Now .. LETS PRAY.’
And after Sunday’s dance-off her fears were realized when the judges chose to send Karim Zeroual through to next week’s show.
On Saturday Karim’s Contemporary Couples Choice to the tune of Drops Of Jupiter by With Confidence wasn’t delivered with enough emotion, according to Craig Revel Horwood.
South American: Saffron told Tess her Strictly experience had been ‘amazing’, moments before walking off the dance floor for the final time
Sent home: After Sunday’s dance-off her fears were realized when the judges chose to send Karim Zeroual through to next week’s show
He said: ‘I thought it was engaging, I thought it had great leaps great turns but I have to say I think at the moment you’re a technician, not an actor and that bothers me.
‘It could have been a lot more, I think it is lacking emotional content. I want you to fly I am desperate to get a ten out for you, but I battling with the fact that your technique is overpowering what you’re trying to say. ‘
Karim clearly took the comments on board for the dance-off with his professional dance partner Amy Dowden on Sunday.
Shock exit: The pair failed to impress during Saturday’s performance and were given just 26 points out of 40 – despite putting in 12 – hour rehearsal sessions
Stunning: AJ was impressed with his partner as he praised her positive mental attitude, describing her as an ‘inspiration’
After the couple repeated their routine all four judges unanimously voted to save the CBBC presenter.
Craig said: ‘Tonight was easy for me, the best dance tonight was Amy and Karim. ‘
Motsi added: ‘One couple left me no choice, it was a perfect performance and I’m going to save Karim and Amy.’
Bruno enthused: ‘I want to keep the couple that has proven to be the strongest both technically and artistically.’
Dance-off: After the couples repeated their routines all four judges unanimously voted to save Karim
Saffron told Tess her Strictly experience had been ‘amazing’, moments before walking off the dance floor for the final time.
‘I’ve had the absolute time of my life and it’s all down to him. I’d like to thank AJ so much, when I look at what I was like on week one I was so embarrassed and shy. He’s really taken me out of my shell. Thank you so much for everything, ‘she added.
And AJ was just as impressed with his partner as he praised her positive mental attitude, describing her as an’ inspiration ‘.
‘Every single week you’ve approached it with a positive mental attitude and you’ve inspired so many… on your own social media too.
‘As a non-dancer starting from day one I’m not going to lie I was a bit scared. But performing those fantastic dances has been amazing. I’ll never ever ever forget that dance. Thank you. The best partner. Thank you. ‘
MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment.
Focused: The young duo were hoping to bounce back after ending up in the dance-off last week
Sunday’s Results show opened with a special performance from world famous opera star Andrea Bocelli.
The remaining five couples will take to the dancefloor next week when Strictly Come Dancing returns for the musical special on Saturday 30 November at 7. 10 pm with the results show on Sunday 1 December at 6. 20 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Emotional: Karim Zeroual was next to take to the floor with a Couple’s Choice Contemporary alongside Amy Dowden to Drops of Jupiter by With Confidence
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