Actress Lisa Riley broke down in tears after being voted off Strictly Come Dancing as the line-up of celebrities in this year's final was revealed. The former Emmerdale star lost out in the dance-off to former favouriteDenise Van Outen, who finished in the bottom two for the second week running despite achieving the second highest score from the judges. Both contestants received the lowest points totals after Saturday night's judges' scores were combined with the results of the viewers' votes.
They performed their highest scoring routines, with Lisa and partner Robin Windsor dancing the American smooth to All That Jazz from the musical Chicago, and Denise and James Jordan dancing the tango to Roxanne by The Police. Both pairs received standing ovations from the audience.Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Denise and James, saying: "Purely based on technique, Denise and James."Darcey Bussell agreed with Craig as she added: "This is so hard but yes, technically, the ones I'm going to save are Denise and James. "Bruno also chose to save Denise and said: "First I have to say you've both done so well to come this far, great dancing, great entertainment but I have to go for the best dance and that was delivered by Denise and James. "The unanimous vote meant Lisa became the 10th celebrity to exit the competition, leaving Denise, gymnast Louis Smith, Girl Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and actress Dani Harmer as the celebrities battling it out for the glitterball trophy in Saturday's final.Lisa wept as she received a standing ovation from the judges and the studio audience. "It's been the best time of my entire life, I can't thank you enough," she said.
Lisa also thanked professional dancer Robin Windsor. "He has just been amazing. Having me as a partner is a really, really tough ask." Dancer Robin was no less enthusiastic in his praise responding: "I just want to say, from day one this whole experience this year has been absolutely amazing, and Lisa has come out and shown you don't have to be a certain size to dance, and she's inspired so many people around the country. She is one of the loveliest, nicest people I've ever met." The Strictly Come Dancing final will be shown on BBC One on Saturday at 7pm.
