Strictly Come Dancing: week eight – as it happened | Strictly Come Dancing

As the eliminated couple take a final twirl around the dancefloor to the strains of Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House (tune!), the credits roll and their castmates crowd in for cuddles.

Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.

His pro partner Nancy Xu says: “I’m beyond proud of this partnership. From week one, every second you put your feet on the dancefloor you improved yourself. You’re a deep thinker, you always doubt yourself but I never ever questioned you. When I watch you, I feel proud because I’ve turned someone who has never danced in their life into an amazing dancer. You should believe in yourself. I adored this partnership.” Sweetly said, Nance.

In his exit speech, Shayne Ward tells Tess: “You guys up there [meaning his fellow contestants in the Clauditorium] are a dream. Every single day, you helped me so much. I want to say thank you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m proud that I made it to eight weeks as a novice dancer.

“A massive thank you also goes to this incredible human right next to me [meaning Nancy], who has put so much fire in me and made me believe that I can achieve more if I let myself go. I’m sorry it didn’t work out to the end but I’m super proud that I got to dance with you.”

Shirley’s decisive vote means that Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu become the unlucky seventh couple to depart the Strictly 2024 dancefloor.

Wynne and Katya, saying “both had hiccups but they were more powerful and joyous”. In the event of a draw, of course, the head judge gets the casting vote. Which means…

Wynne and Katya, saying “it’s tight, both made early mistakes but it threw Shayne more and made him hesitant, while Wynne cut loose”. Drama! The panel is split for only the second time this series.

Shayne and Nancy, saying “they were more advanced technically”. So if Shayne gets one more vote, he’s ripped up the form book and secured safety.

Shayne and Nancy, saying “contrasting styles but for me he’s the better dancer”.

Let’s hear from the panel whose decision counts. Craig and Motsi marked both dances the same last night but Shirley and Anton scored Wynne’s one point more.

Wynne Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones now reprise their American smooth to Grace Kelly by Mika. The judges said last night it was that it was an energetic performance but lacked grace and flow.

It scored 32 points, two more than Shayne’s rumba, so Wynne needs to avoid mistakes to maintain that margin.

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu have another go at their rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. The judges said last night that the rumba walks were on-point but he lost timing, lacking connection and rotation. It scored 30 points, just two fewer than Wynne, so Shayne needs to show improvement to close that gap.