Sunetra Sarker and her professional dance partner Brendan Cole have been booted off Strictly Come Dancing. The Casualty actress, who plays Dr Zoe Hanna in the hospital drama, found herself in the bottom two against Mark Wright and his partner Karen Hauer. Performing in the dance-off for the third time in the series, Sunetra and Brendan did their rumba to Girl From Ipanema, but failed to win over the judges. Mark and Karen danced their salsa to Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley. Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli all chose to save the former TOWIE star and his dance partner, meaning that Sunetra and Brendan were sent home. Head judge Len Goodman said that he would have agreed with his fellow judges.
Sunetra Sarker praised her partner Brendan Cole for being 'so committed and understanding'
The 41-year-old actress thanked ballroom dancer Brendan for his guidance, as she reflected on her time on Strictly. "It's been such a once in a life time opportunity to be able to do this," said Sunetra. "I'd like to thank Brendan for being just so committed and understanding, and such a natural dancer. This guy – you've been great – thank you so much for everything. "I also want to say a thank you to every single one of the contestants and all the pro dancers for holding my hand so very tightly – love you all."
Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole faced Mark Wright and Karen Hauer in the dance-off
Brendan returned the praise, saying: "She was a dancer from the beginning, I am extremely proud of her. You should be very proud of yourself to get this far – it's no mean feat! To reiterate, thanks to everyone that works on the show – it's the best show on television!" Sunday night's results show featured two special performances, with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance troupe opening the show, celebrating the heritage of Irish dancing. André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra then teamed up with Alfie Boe to perform a classic Italian track. Strictly Come Dancing will return on Saturday 6 December at 7pm for the quarter finals.