In an emotionally charged show which saw Caroline, Pasha, Frankie, Kevin, Simon and Kristina spirited forward as finalists into next week. Jake and Janette found themselves in Dance Off for the first time alongside third time Dance Off veterans Mark and Karen.
The decision to make either Jake or Mark the remaining finalist of the competition split the judges with both Darcey and Bruno choosing to save Jake, whilst Craig plumped for Mark.
With the deciding vote, head Judge Len said; “This is very difficult. The Cha Cha Cha had little Cha Cha Cha content and the Rumba had little Rumba content so in that respect it’s a very level playing field. One was totally performance driven, the other was more about artistry and this is for me the toughest of all but I’m going to save Mark and Karen.”
Jake, who defied the public’s expectations right from the beginning of the series with a body-bending Salsa, that became an instant iconic Strictly moment, reflected back on his experience…
“It’s a huge disappointment to go out in the Semi-Finals but for a 42-year-old dad of two, who’s never danced before, Janette has worked wonders. It’s been a real privilege to watch her work and she’s so passionate about what she does that it’s infectious. I’d like to thank all the people at home who voted - it’s just meant the world. And I’d like to thank my wife Alison and my two children Amber and Buster as well. Without their support I couldn’t have done this.”
Are you shocked Jake didn’t make it to the final? Say goodbye to both he and Janette in the comments section below…