Strictly: Jacqui Smith and Anton du Beke first to be eliminated

Jacqui Smith became the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday.

During the pre-recorded results show, the politician, 57, faced Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing in this week’s dance-off after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard with 25 and 31 points out of 40, respectively.

The broadcaster branded her short stint on the series a ‘greatest adventure’ and expressed her gratitude towards her professional partner Anton du Beke, who she described as an ‘absolute joy to be with.’

She’s out! Jacqui Smith became the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday (pictured with professional partner Anton du Beke)

Competition: During the first results show, the politician, 57, faced Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing in this week’s dance-off (pictured with professional partner Karen Hauer)

The political commentator fell short when she and ballroom pro Anton, 54, performed their Samba to Help Yourself by Tom Jones again, while reality star Jamie, 31, and Karen Hauer, 38, danced the American Smooth to Frank Sinatra’s Night and Day.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas unanimously chose to send the Candy Kittens CEO through to next week’s show, as their scores from the whole competition were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes.   

When asked by host Tess Daly, 51, about her time on the show, Jacqui said: ‘I had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine. I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to be with. 

‘I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers’: The broadcaster branded her short stint on the series an ‘greatest adventure’

Fierce: Reality star Jamie, 31, and choreographer Karen, 38, danced the American Smooth to Frank Sinatra’s Night and Day once again

Oh no: Jamie and Karen looked pensive as they were told they would face the dance off

Final say: Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse unanimously chose to send the Candy Kittens CEO through to next week’s show

Candid: When asked by host Tess Daly, 51, about her time on the show, Jacqui said: ‘I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man’

‘But I don’t feel too much shame in losing to these guys because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers, they really are. 

‘So I’ll be watching you and supporting you. To Anton I would like to say you have been just an absolute joy to be with. I am so pleased and proud to have spent this time with you. 

‘And to everybody on the programme I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that put this programme together and if ever we need Strictly, we need it now so thank you so much.’

Sad times: The duo shared a goodbye hug as they ended their dance union following a whirlwind appearance

History makers: Strictly’s first same-sex couple – Nicola Adams and Katya Jones – smiled as they sailed through to the next round

Good news: Clara Amfo and Aljaz Skorjanec made it through to week three

Go for it: Oti Mabuse and Bill Bailey and Dianne Buswell and Max George made it through

Stylish: Amy Dowden and JJ Chalmers made it to the next round 

Yay: Caroline Quentin and Johannes Radebe and Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez sailed through

This Morning star Anton also praised his celebrity partner as he added: ‘Well I’ve loved every second of being in the studio with you. 

‘We have laughed, you have a shocking sense of humour I can’t begin to tell you. You are just the best and I’ve loved it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

Keeping in theme of Halloween, the professional dancers displayed their fancy footwork with a spooky routine, while Sam Smith took to the stage to perform their latest single Diamonds. 

The remaining eleven couples will take to the dancefloor on November 9 in a spectacular Movie Special.

Made it: Strictly favourite HRVY and Janette Manrara made it through

Going for goal: Jason Bell and Luba Mushtuk looked delighted as they sailed through

Dancing: Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice were rewarded for their efforts

Spooky: In lieu of Halloween week, the pro dancers pulled off a spooktacular performance