Opera singer Wynne Evans has said he had a "wonderful time" on Strictly Come Dancing after he and professional dance partner Katya Jones became the eighth couple to leave the current series.
The BBC Radio Wales presenter, known for the Go.Compare insurance advertisements, and Jones failed to impress the judges after redoing their Charleston routine in the dance-off during Sunday's results show episode at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Evans and Jones found themselves in the bottom two opposite Olympian and Gladiators star Montell Douglas and her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe following a public vote and the judges' scores.
The decision to save Douglas and Radebe, who did a Salsa to Thelma Houston's Don't Leave Me This Way, was unanimous by the judges.
Evans, who performed to Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Les Toréadors by Georges Bizet, said: "It's been wonderful, I've got to say.
"I feel like it's what Strictly is all about.
"If I can come and do Strictly and last until week nine, then anybody can get out there and dance and have a brilliant time.
"Strictly is such a brilliant family, such a precious family, that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it is a wonderful, wonderful thing."
Jones said: "To be honest with you, the smile hasn't left my face since the first day of our training, since the day we got partnered up.
"You (Evans) have made this experience so joyous and so full of laughter for me.
"I'm sure everybody was jealous because you're the kind of guy that everybody wants in their life.
"You bring light, you bring laughter, you bring charisma, you fill up every room you walk into with those qualities."
Evans said: "To have been partnered with Katya has been amazing and coming every Saturday night to hang out with these guys (the other contestants), that's been wonderful.
"But to spend every weekday dancing has been just fantastic.
"I've grown so much and I'm so thankful to have met this person (Jones)."
During their time on the show, Evans and Jones apologised for a "joke" that saw Jones move Evans's hand from her waist following heightened scrutiny of the long-running series.
He also said on his radio show that he was "absolutely heartbroken" by the backlash and felt the moment had been "totally misinterpreted".
The results show also saw the Pet Shop Boys perform their new single All the Young Dudes and the professional dancers do a sultry routine to Jacob Gade's Jalousie.
Douglas and Radebe found themselves in the dance-off despite earning 35 points from the judges.
The public vote saved reality star Pete Wicks and his professional dance partner Jowita Przystal, who were given 27 points from the judging panel.
Evans and Jones were second from the bottom with 31 points.
The remaining seven couples will take to the dancefloor next Saturday when Strictly Come Dancing returns live at 7:05pm on BBC One.
Source: Press Association
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