EASTENDERS - GILLIAN TAYLFORTH LEAVES STRICTLY COME DANCING

GILLIAN TAYLFORTH LEAVES STRICTLY COME DANCING

Gillian Taylforth has become the second contestant to leave series six of Strictly Come Dancing.

The ex-EastEnders actress faced model Jodie Kidd in the dance-off and her foxtrot was not sufficiently impressive to convince the judging panel to save her in favour of Kidd.

"I have really enjoyed myself, it's been great," Gillian said after her exit.

"Anton's been great," she said of her dance partner Anton Du Beke, who has danced in every series of the show, but never made the final.

He lasted until week seven of the show last year with TV presenter Kate Garraway, and has also partnered soprano Lesley Garrett, presenter Esther Rantzen, actress Patsy Palmer and comedienne Jan Ravens.

"Gillian, compared to his previous partners you're Ginger Rogers and that is something," joked judge Bruno Tonioli.

Gillian and Anton had received 22 points out of a possible 40 for their foxtrot from the judging panel and were placed in the dance-off after a viewer's vote left them in the bottom two with Kidd.

Gillian follows fellow former EastEnder Phil Daniels, who was voted off the show last week after head judge Len Goodman was more enamoured with actor Don Warrington's dancing.