STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are in for a shock as Zara McDermott has become the fifth celebrity to be voted off the show tonight.
The Love Island legend, 26, and her partner Graziano Di Prima landed the dance-off opposite Adam Thomas and his pro Luba Mushtuk.
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Zara McDermott looked emotional as she became the fifth celebrity to be sent homeCredit: PA
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Zara and Graziano were in a dance match against Adam and LubeCredit: PA
Unfortunately for Zara, all four judges were unanimous in their decision to send her items instead of former Emmerdale actor Adam.
Speaking moments after finding out she was to be sent home, an emotional Zara told presenter Tess Daly: “I had the best time of my life. Just being here is amazing. Thanks to the judges and my great partner obviously.
“My fellow contestants are just amazing. It’s been an amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over, but I’ll be here in spirit every week supporting them.”
Her partner Graziano then chimed in, paying tribute to the reality star turned documentary filmmaker.
He said: “She was great for me from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Not stopping to ask for just a half hour break. She is literally what Strictly is. A true starter, he comes in and does all the hard work.”
Turning to Zara, he continued, “You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I thank you for finding a friend like you. I have learned so much from you. And from your hard work in six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. I’m so proud of you honestly.”
Zara and Graziano performed the Charleston during last night’s live Halloween extravaganza to Al Donahue’s Jeepers Creepers.
They scored 25 points and Craig Revel Horwood said the routine was “a bit off the mark” and claimed it “lacked energy and power”.
Adam and Luba, meanwhile, scored 32 points for their American Smooth, which was set to Perry Como’s Magic Moments.
After both couples performed again in tonight’s dance battle, the judges gave their verdicts.
Craig said: “For me one couple did incredibly well and nailed the routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.”
Motsi Mabuse added: “Well I feel there was definitely fighting spirit in both pairs, I think both pairs have improved incredibly, both have been stunning, I’ll save Adam and Luba”.
Anton Du Beke agreed, saying: “Well, that’s no consolation now – but both couples danced very well and both couples gave it their all. But for me, the couple was the best – and that couple is Adam and Luba.”
While those three votes were enough to push Adam and Luba through to next week, head judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have ruled the same as the rest of the panel.
Shirley said, “I agreed to save Adam and Luba.”
Zara’s departure comes after she was forced to miss some of her rehearsals last week after her boyfriend Sam Thompson had a medical emergency.
She jumped to her boyfriend’s side after he needed medical attention for kidney problems.
Sam, 31, revealed that Zara left her rehearsal earlier in the series to attend an appointment with him after he started developing severe stomach pains.
Speaking on his Staying Relevant podcast, Sam praised his good friend and colleague Pete Wicks for helping him when he felt like he was on the verge of death.
TV star Sam continued: “You came to me when I thought I was dying and you were literally there for me.
“Even though I knew there was nothing wrong with you.”
Sam then admitted Zara skipped Strictly rehearsals to take him to hospital after his pain became unbearable.
He continued: “You want to know something worse? I made Zara leave her Strictly training session early to come see me at the doctor.
“And it was just for the guy to say, ‘Yeah, you’re fine.'”
Fortunately, Sam was cleared and sent home after an examination.
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Zara was surrounded by her teammates as she said goodbye Credit: PA
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She and Graziano performed for the last timeCredit: PA
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Zara jumped to her boyfriend Sam Thompson’s side after a medical emergencyCredit: Instagram
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