Saturday, 14 November 2009

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Phil Tufnell leaves Strictly Come Dancing

Sportsman in dance-off with Ricky Groves

Phil Tufnell was partnered by Katya Virshilas

Former England cricketer Phil Tufnell has become the ninth celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.

The combination of the judges' scores and viewers' votes left Phil and professional partner Katya Virshilas in the bottom two tonight.

The pair performed their American Smooth to Come Fly With Me in the dance off with actor Ricky Groves and Erin Boag.

Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli wanted to keep them in the contest but Craig Revel Horwood opted for Ricky and Erin - leaving Len Goodman to cast his deciding vote.

'Well it was a very, very tough call because they both have danced beautifully tonight and both upped their game,' said Len.

'However, I've got to go for the one that gave the cleaner and the more precise performance and that's Ricky and Erin.'

Bruce Forsyth is recovering from flu so Tess Daly took over as host and was joined by Claudia Winkleman and special guest star Ronnie Corbett.

Contestant Jade Johnson was unable to perform because she uninjured her knee  in dress rehearsal.

SEE PICTURES Strictly Come Dancing 2009 contestants revealed>>

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