LEN GOODMAN - LAST WALTZ FOR AUSTIN ON STRICTLY COME DANCING

LAST WALTZ FOR AUSTIN ON STRICTLY COME DANCING

Austin Healey has missed out on a semi-final spot in the latest Strictly Come Dancing having lost in a dance-off to Lisa Snowdon.

The former England rugby player danced off the BBC1 reality show after his climactic salsa failed to impress the judging panel.

Though Austin and partner Erin Boag received a total score of 70 out of a possible 80 points for their two dances on Saturday, they were left in the bottom two and left the ballroom programme following the judges' verdicts.

"It was good, but I was slightly bored during the first part. I felt like you didn't invest in the Hollywood pizzazz," Craig Revel Horwood had said after their first dance on Saturday.

And Arlene Philips added: "When you're dancing with Erin your performance is electric, it's masterful, but sometimes when you're left on your own there's just that little bit of timidity."

Head judge Len Goodman was more positive, saying: "Typical sportsman attitude - you get knocked in your first dance and come back stronger, more vibrant. I absolutely loved it. I thought it was great, well done."

And Bruno Tonioli said Austin and Erin had "really pushed the entertainment value".

After being eliminated on Sunday Austin said: "I'd like to say three thankyous, firstly to everyone at Strictly for giving me the chance to be in something so amazing. Secondly, to Erin, she's been such amazing partner, and thirdly and most importantly, to my wife.

"I have four beautiful daughters and the best woman in the world in my wife."

Erin added: "I would just like to say that I've had the time of my life and it's all down to having such a great person to dance with, so thank you Austin."

Lisa, singer Rachel Stevens and Holby City actor Tom Chambers are the final three celebrity contestants for this year's show.