RACHEL STEVENS - HEATHER SMALL DANCES OFF STRICTLY COME DANCING

HEATHER SMALL DANCES OFF STRICTLY COME DANCING

Singer Heather Small has become the eighth contestant to be voted off the current series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former M People star and dance partner Brian Fortuna were left in the bottom two for the fourth time and finally lost out after facing Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone.

Judge Len Goodman told Small: "I did agree with the other judges, but that last tango was the best I've seen Heather dance. Well done."

All four judges voted to save Rachel and Vincent, though the panel agreed neither couple should have been in the bottom two.

"I enjoyed it, it's been a ball," Heather explained afterwards. "I feel like a winner because I've enjoyed it so much and I've met such a great young man in Brian."

Fortuna added: "I've felt very welcome, it's been a pleasure living in England and the best part has been meeting Heather."

Eight celebrities remaining with former rugby player Austin Healey favourite to win and journalist John Sergeant continuing to attract public votes to the chagrin of the judges.