Paul Merson AXED from Strictly after shock dance off with series favourite

STRICTLY Come Dancing has revealed the identity of the next star to be voted off the competiton.

Footballer Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer were axed from the contest after going head-to-head with a show favourite on the BBC dancing contest.

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Paul Merson has left Strictly Come Dancing after failing to impress in the dance-off[/caption]

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He had to face-off against JB Gill in the shock result[/caption]

In a shocking dance-off, Paul found himself against JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Amy Dowden.

Fans and the judges alike were left gasping when it was revealed that JB, arguably one of the stronger dancers on the programme, would have to dance again for his place in the contest.

It meant that Paul’s fate was seemingly sealed having previously been forced into a dance-off alongside Toyah Wilcox.

Paul and Karen performed their routine, a Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce, but it wasn’t enough to win over the panel.

All four judges revealed they were in agreement in choosing to keep JB and axe sports star Paul following the dance-off.

As Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all agreed to save JB, Shirley Ballas‘ vote was not required but she admitted to show host Tess Daly that she would have also chosen to save JB.

As the news began to settle on their exit, Paul told Tess: “It’s been really good.

“For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show. It’s amazing – everybody.

“There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he’s nice! It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher.”

He went onto add of his pro partner Karen: “She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach. I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I can dance now –  I’ve won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and I can half dance now. It’s a bonus, absolute bonus.” 

Speaking to Paul, Karen then told him: “Absolutely, you’ve been a joy. I’ve never giggled this much.

“My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have showed up, you have improved.

“You’re what Strictly is about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles.” 

It means that the duo have just missed out on making it to Strictly’s famous Halloween week.

The remaining pairs will all be turning on the fear factor for some spell-bounding routines.

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Paul’s co-stars rushed to hug him following his exit[/caption]

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Paul and Karen had one final spin around the dancefloor[/caption]