Paul Merson AXED from Strictly after shock dance off with series favourite

STRICTLY Come Dancing has revealed the identity of the next star to be kicked out of the competition.

Footballer Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer have been kicked out of the competition after clashing with the favorite of the BBC dance competition.

Paul Merson quit Strictly Come Dancing after failing to impress in the dance match Credit: PA

He had to face JB Gill in a shocking resultCredit: PA

In a shocking dance showdown Paul found himself up against JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Amy Dowden.

Fans and judges alike were left breathless when it was revealed that JB, arguably one of the stronger dancers on the show, would have to dance again for his place in the competition.

This meant that Paul’s fate was seemingly sealed as he was previously forced to dance with Toyah Wilcox.

Paul and Karen performed their routine, Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce, but it wasn’t enough to win the panel.

All four judges revealed they were in agreement in choosing JB and ax sports star Paul to stay after the dance.

As Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke agreed to save JB, Shirley Ballas’ voice was not needed, but she admitted to host Tess Daly that she too would have decided to save JB.

As the news began to die down on their date, Paul told Tess: “It was really good.

“Anybody I talk to, I’d say they have to go to this show. It’s amazing – everyone.

“There’s a Tottenham fan there called Lincoln and even he’s nice! It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I’ve loved every minute, I’ve had a great teacher.”

He added of his professional partner Karen: “She was amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. I loved every minute.

Pete Wicks dances the rumba in week five of Strictly Come Dancing

“I can dance now – I won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and now I can half dance. It’s a bonus, an absolute bonus.”

Speaking to Paul, Karen then told him: “Absolutely, you were a joy. I’ve never giggled so hard.

“My abs are really tight now. I’m so proud of you. Every week you showed up, you improved.

“You are what Strictly is all about and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a bit of work and a lot of giggles.”

It means the duo just missed out on Strictly’s famous Halloween week.

All remaining pairs will include the fear factor for some spell limiting routines.