The glitz and glamour of the famous Blackpool ballroom turned bittersweet last night as Week 9 of Strictly Come Dancing ended with an emotional goodbye for Nigel Wynne and his partner Katya Jones. Despite months of dedication, sweat, and a fair share of controversy, the duo was eliminated following a tense dance-off.
The Blackpool special is always a highlight of the Strictly season, bringing a larger stage, higher stakes, and heightened emotions. Wynne and Katya’s journey has been one of the season’s most talked-about, filled with jaw-dropping routines and whispers of backstage drama. Unfortunately, their dazzling Quickstep couldn’t save them from the judges’ verdict this time.
Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke were unanimous in their decision, choosing to save Ellie and Vito instead. While the judges commended Wynne’s growth throughout the competition, they noted that the evening’s performance lacked the polish and energy needed at this stage of the contest.
From the start, Wynne and Katya were a pairing that demanded attention. Whether it was their fiery Paso Doble in Week 5 or their emotional Viennese Waltz that left viewers in tears, they consistently pushed boundaries. However, rumors of creative clashes and emotional rehearsals often followed the pair, fueling headlines and social media chatter.
Wynne, visibly moved during his farewell speech, expressed gratitude for his time on the show. “This has been a life-changing journey,” he said, holding back tears. “Katya has pushed me to limits I didn’t know I had. I’ll never forget this experience or the people I’ve shared it with.”
Katya, known for her fierce determination and sharp choreography, praised Wynne’s dedication. “He’s grown so much—not just as a dancer but as a person. I’m so proud of him.”
As the competition heats up, only a few weeks remain until the glitterball trophy is claimed. Fan favorites Ellie and Vito, Layton and Nikita, and Angela and Carlos are now considered the front-runners, but anything can happen on the dance floor.
Social media exploded with mixed reactions to the elimination, with #StrictlyBlackpool trending for hours after the episode. While some fans supported the judges’ decision, others felt Wynne and Katya deserved one more chance.
The journey continues next week, but the magic of Blackpool will linger for the remaining contestants as they fight for a spot in the semi-finals.
Who will take home the glitterball trophy? Stay tuned—Strictly Come Dancing is only getting more intense from here!