Michelle Tsiakkas confesses BBC Strictly exit was ‘toughest week yet’ as she speaks out amid Pete Wicks row

Strictly Come Dancing pro Michelle Tsiakkas has issued a heartfelt statement after her time on this year’s series was brought to a close following Sunday’s dance-off.

Despite neither of them finishing at the foot of the leaderboard, Jamie Borthwick and Montell Douglas faced off in the dreaded dance-off with their respective partners Tsiakkas and Johannes Radebe.

The judges unanimously decided to keep Douglas in the competition for next week’s quarter-finals meaning it was time for the EastEnders star to say goodbye.

Borthwick took news of his exit in good spirits, branding the show as “magic”, and while much of the reaction from fans at home was sadness at him leaving, others were more angry that Pete Wicks hadn’t landed in the dance-off.

Wicks himself looked stunned when he heard he’d escaped the dance-off and soon after, he took to social media to admit he “doesn’t know why” people keep voting for him.

With a row ensuing over Wicks’ spot in the contest at the expense of Borthwick, Tsiakkas decided to speak out to address her exit from the show.

She penned on Instagram: “Ah partner, our journey sadly comes to an end… But what a journey it’s been. I meant it when I said that you have been the best first partner I could have wished for!

“Be proud…because we worked hard and really made the most of the time we had with you working 2 full on jobs at the same time.

“This past week was your toughest yet with work, we realistically had 2 days to put it all together, and look what we achieved, a beautiful foxtrot which we both enjoyed dancing so much.

“This experience was both of our firsts, and we stuck by each other through the highs and lows and everything in between and that in itself is so special. I want to thank you for your trust in me as a teacher and your commitment every week on that dance floor. You ALWAYS gave 100%.

“Working together felt like hanging out and having fun with your best buddy – and that’s what we’ve become. I’ve gained a brother for life from this experience and that to me is worth more than anything else. You have a pure and sensitive soul, never change.”

Tsiakkas then went on to thank a fellow choreographer on the show before thanking “both mine and Jamie’s family”.

She continued: “Your constant support and words of encouragement kept our spirits high and our drive strong xx.

“And of course, THANK YOU to everyone out there who supported us and voted for us along our beautiful journey. We were able to enjoy the most magical and joyous 10 weeks on @bbcstrictly thanks to you.”

Before long, fellow pros Katya Jones, Nancy Xu, Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola among others showed their support.

On the night, Borthwick discussed his time on the show with Tess Daly, saying: “Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic.

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“Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show. I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing.

“I’ve had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]. She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher.

“We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”

A tearful Tsiakkas added: “I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week.

“He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make.

“I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”