Introduction
TV Host Alex Thompson is the latest celebrity who-left-strictly in Week Four dance-off By BBC News Dance Correspondent, October 9, 2025 The fourth week of the BBC’s flagship Saturday night competition, Strictly Come Dancing, has concluded with the elimination of television presenter Alex Thompson and their professional partner, Katya Jones. The couple were unanimously voted out by the judging panel after finding themselves in the bottom two alongside competitive frontrunners, actress Maya Singh and her partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, following a combination of judges' scores and public votes. Thompson and Jones performed their Charleston from Saturday night's show in the dance-off, while Singh and Škorjanec presented their Argentine Tango, a routine highly praised for its technicality and emotional depth. The judging panel—comprising Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—ultimately determined that Singh’s routine had stronger technical merit and greater potential for growth in the remaining competition. The decision marks the end of Thompson's tenure on the dance floor, a journey characterised by strong stage presence but struggles with foundational technique. The elimination of Thompson, a popular host known for the daytime programme The Morning Review, has generated significant discussion amongst fans, particularly given the surprising presence of Singh, a strong contender, in the bottom two. This outcome highlights the perennial tension in the competition between raw technical skill, assessed by the judges, and public favour, which drives the overall voting landscape. Speaking after the result was announced, Thompson expressed gratitude for the experience.
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"It has been the most extraordinary challenge of my life, truly. I came here with two left feet, and now I feel like I can genuinely hold a rhythm," Thompson said. "I owe everything to Katya; she is a magician. I am obviously sad to leave, but I know I’m going out after giving it everything I had on the floor. " Jones praised Thompson’s work ethic, noting that they had been "an absolute joy to teach. " The technical review from the judges focused heavily on precision. Head Judge Shirley Ballas commented that, while both couples delivered a competitive performance, the decision had to come down to the quality of execution under pressure. "The standard this year is exceptionally high," Ballas stated, "and when two talented couples face a dance-off, we must look for the clean lines, the attention to detail, and the consistency across all elements of the routine.
Tonight, one couple achieved a higher level of precision. " The Thompson-Jones partnership had consistently landed in the middle of the leaderboard throughout the first three weeks, avoiding the lower ranks but struggling to break into the top tier. Their highest score came in Week Two with a lively Salsa, but their Week Four Charleston failed to capture the high energy required, scoring 28 points—placing them seventh on the leaderboard, a precarious position that left them vulnerable to the public vote. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a cultural analyst and expert in broadcast competition formats, suggested that Thompson’s departure, despite his popularity, reflects a tightening of the competitive field. "We are now entering the phase of Strictly where public affection alone is not sufficient to guarantee safety," Dr. Vance told BBC News. "The audience begins to expect genuine, visible improvement in dance skill.
For Alex, while they were incredibly entertaining and connected with the audience, the judges’ collective desire to see better footwork and posture ultimately made the difference. It also serves as a sharp reminder to the remaining celebrities that the public vote, even for a high-scoring couple like Maya, cannot be taken for granted. " The outcome serves as a crucial warning for the remaining contestants: solid scores from the judges are necessary, but failing to secure enough public votes can lead even the strongest dancers into the bottom two. The narrow margin of the decision also sets the stage for a highly unpredictable next few weeks as the competition moves towards the mid-season point. Next week, the remaining couples will perform in the annual Movie Week special, where they will take inspiration from iconic films. All eyes will be on Maya Singh to see how she responds to the pressure of having faced the dance-off, while others lower down the leaderboard will be seeking to capitalise on the shifting dynamics to avoid being the next celebrity who-left-strictly. The competition continues to captivate millions, with the outcome remaining finely balanced between artistic expression and public sentiment.
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