Toyah Willcox's Strictly Come Dancing Journey Comes to an End

Toyah Willcox, the renowned singer, and her professional dance partner Neil Jones have been voted off the 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing. The pair faced off against former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer during the second results show of the BBC series on Sunday night.

Bidding Farewell to a Strictly Sensation

Samba Showdown and Judges' Verdict

Willcox and Jones performed their samba to the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid for a second time, while Merson and Hauer repeated their cha cha to the Magnificent Seven theme as part of the show's Movie Week. The judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, unanimously chose to save Merson and Hauer, sending Willcox home. Head judge Shirley Ballas later agreed that she would have also saved the former England international.

A Triumphant Week and Heartfelt Farewell

The previous week, Willcox and Jones had triumphed over Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova. After the judges' decision, Willcox described her Strictly experience as "the best two months of my life," expressing her gratitude to Jones for his unwavering support and dedication.

Willcox's Passion and Jones' Admiration

Jones praised Willcox's exceptional work ethic, stating that he had never seen someone "work so hard" on the show. He marveled at her commitment, noting that she was constantly practicing, even in the hallways, and that everyone had been talking about her dedication. Jones expressed his love for every moment they shared on the dance floor, describing Willcox as "brilliant" and embodying the true spirit of Strictly.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Journey

Willcox, dressed as Ursula, the villainous sea witch from the Disney classic, had the lowest score during Saturday's live show with 15 out of 40, prompting Revel Horwood to describe her as "stuck in the mud." This prompted a reaction from Willcox's husband, King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, who was sitting in the audience and expressed his displeasure with the judge's comments.

Shining Moments and Inspiring Performances

Despite the challenges, Willcox and Jones had moments of triumph, with Willcox praising Jones for his unwavering support and the immediate connection they shared. She expressed gratitude for the "new zest for life" that the experience had given her, a testament to the transformative power of Strictly Come Dancing.

Standout Performances and Audience Favorites

While Willcox and Jones bid farewell, the competition continued with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri topping the Movie Week leader-board, scoring 34 out of 40 for her rumba with Aljaz Skorjanec to Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" from the Barbie movie. The results show also featured a "rom-com inspired" routine from the professional dancers and a performance by British singer Alexis Ffrench.Strictly Come Dancing will continue its 20th anniversary season, with the next episode scheduled for Saturday, October 12, and the Results Show airing on Sunday, October 13, on BBC One.