Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara are the first couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing – after Anastacia’s injury leaves her unable to perform dance-off
MELVIN ODOOM and partner Janette Manrara are the first couple to be eliminated on Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair were up against Anastacia and Brendan Cole in the dance-off after the two couples received the lowest number of public votes.
However, Anastacia, who had damaged scar tissue from her double mastectomy back in 2013 during rehearsals, had been deemed too injured to perform again in the dance-off.
As per Strictly's rules, if one of the two dance-off participants can't perform, the vote is automatically reverted back to that of the public- meaning Melvin got the boot.
On hearing he received the lowest number of votes, Melvin said: “Every single person on this show; the contestants, the dancers, the production, the judges, everyone is absolutely amazing.
"It’s a blessing to be on the show and thank you for Janette, it’s been a great experience for me, thank you!”
Dance partner Janette added: “In this industry, we get to meet a lot of different kind of people and I think Melvin is one of those individuals that you meet and never forget from the first moment you meet them.
"He’s got such a beautiful soul, such a gorgeous smile, an infectious personality and I just want to thank you for making this, although short, an extremely sweet journey amazing for me.”
Melvin later added: “It was unexpected but I care about the people before everything else, I love Anastacia I think she’s a great woman, she’s a great role model and her health comes first before everything else.
"As much as this is a great show and competition, her health comes first; it’s the way it is.”
The couple had their last dance to The Beatles Yesterday - where they took the moment to do the running man and joke with the team before being sent home.
Latest from TV & Showbiz
Melvin and Janette were second lowest on the scoreboard after Saturday night's show after performing a tango to Moving on Up by M People.
Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton took the stop spot alongside Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse, with both pairs performing a Viennese Waltz.
Brendan and Anastacia had to completely re-choreograph their salsa to Sax by Fleur East - less than 24 hours before the live show.
When she discovered that she was up for the chop, Anastacia held back tears as she admitted she was "scared she would hurt herself" but was still willing to do the routine.
Anastacia said: "I danced on Saturday even though the doctor had advised me to rest after I ripped the scar tissue around where I had my double mastectomy.
"After that I was unable to dance again and I was devastated that I couldn't take part in the dance off.
"I am so very sad to see Melvin and Janette go, they are the most the most wonderful pair and I will miss Melvin's unique spirit and beautiful smile."
Ed Balls originally earned the lowest score from the judges in yesterday's competition after a high-energy performance to The Banjo's Back in Town by Alma Cogan.
However, he was saved by the public vote who found the dance a firm favourite from the evening - even if it didn't win over the judges.
Next week, contestants will face off in Movie Week - starting with a group spectacular dedicated with Rogers and Hammerstein.
This may prove critical to the pairs as this was the theme week that sent Jay McGuinness and Alioni Vilani into stardom following their Pulp Fiction inspired jive.
They later went on to win the entire competition.
Catch the latest Strictly drama on It Takes Two, weekdays at 6.30 on BBC2, and don't miss the next round of dances on Strictly Come Dancing, next Saturday on BBC1.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 0207 782 4220