Comedian Jayde Adams has described her time on Strictly Come Dancing as the "best thing I have ever done in my life" as she and professional dance partner Karen Hauer became the fourth couple to leave the show after a night that celebrated the BBC's centenary.
Superfan Jayde became a #Strictly star, and it's been such a pleasure to watch her and Karen perform every week 🌟@jaydeadams @karen_hauer pic.twitter.com/1GahmGCF44
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 23, 2022
Following the special show on Saturday that marked 100 years of the broadcaster with routines to classic BBC theme songs, Adams and Hauer found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against singer and actress Molly Rainford and her professional partner, Carlos Gu.
Adams and Hauer reprised their Charleston to comic song The Ballad of Barry and Freda (Let's Do It).
During Saturday's show, the routine had secured them a score of 28, with judge Motsi Mabuse telling Adams she was "one of the best" performers but felt her dance moves needed improving at this stage of the competition.
Rainford and Gu, who previously achieved the highest score of the competition so far, danced their Couple's Choice routine to the Grange Hill theme tune again, which judge Anton Du Beke had described as a "safe" option in the Saturday show.
After both couples had danced for a second time, it was a unanimous decision by the judges to save Rainford and Gu.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood explained his choice was based on technical ability while Du Beke felt Rainford and Gu had a "slightly more polished technique".
Fellow judge Mabuse added: "Well, I thought you were both brilliant. I thought that both performances were better than Saturday night, but I am going to save Molly and Carlos."
With three votes to Rainford and Gu, it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition. Head Judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have decided to save the couple.
She said: "Well, both were absolutely superb in the dance-off, but, on a little bit more precision and quality of movement, I would have saved Molly and Carlos."
Reflecting on her time on the show, Adams said: "This has been the best thing I have ever done in my life, and I will carry it to my grave. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you (Hauer) and learning about so much that will go into my own stuff, in my own work.
"You are one of the most gifted people I have ever worked with, Karen."
"You are fantastic, and this has been such an honour," Adams continued. "You are amazing, thank you for everything!"
Adams said she had "done shows before, and nothing holds a candle to the way that this show is run".
"It is an incredible thing to be a part of as a performer," she enthused. "We are so looked after, and in this industry where so many people aren't looked after, this show is incredible. Well done, everyone."
Hauer also praised her partner, saying: "It's been a roller-coaster of emotions for us, and you are so special, so powerful, so emotional, and I've loved every second. Thank you, Jayde."
Adams and Hauer were one of two same-sex pairings on the show this year, alongside BBC Radio 2's Richie Anderson and professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who were the second couple to be voted out of the competition.
The comedian and dancer are also the show's second female same-sex couple, as professional dancer Katya Jones was paired with Olympic gold medallist boxer Nicola Adams in 2020.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday 29 October at 6:50pm for its Halloween Special, with the results show on Sunday 30 October at 7:20pm on BBC One.
Source: Press Association
