'Strictly Come Dancing' Results: Tony Jacklin First Celebrity To Exit

Who Was First To Leave 'Strictly'?

Tony Jacklin became the first celebrity to exit 'Strictly Come Dancing' on Sunday night, after he failed to dazzle with his Charleston routine.

The former golfing champion and his professional partner Aliona Vilani were placed in the bottom two with fashion designer Julien Macdonald and his partner Janette Manrara, after they polled the lowest when the judges' scores were combined with viewer votes.

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Tony Jacklin with his partner Aliona Vilani

After performing again in the dance-off, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli all chose to save Julien and Janette, who danced the Tango to 'Applause' by Lady Gaga.

Head Judge Len Goodman said: "Tony you've been one of my golfing heroes all of my life, sadly I have to say I would have gone with Julien and Janette, but you're still one of my heroes."

Tony performed a golf-themed Charleston again to 'It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)' by Chantz, and came bottom of the judges' leaderboard on Saturday's show.

Speaking after he exited the show, the 69-year-old said: "It was a very, very intimidating situation going on stage in front of 10 million people - I felt like running away half an hour before going on last night but there was security all over the place," he joked.

"That's the feeling you get, you are just completely petrified."

"I did not want to be the first one out. I gave it my best shot but it was not good enough, so you have to take your punishment, if you like, but overall, it was a very positive experience and I shall look back and think 'well I am glad I did that'," he said.

"If I put my hand on my heart, it was hard work, it was exhausting but I am very, very glad I did it.

"I did give it my best. I appreciated what those pros go through and their expertise and their dedication - and meeting all the other celebrities.

"It was a wonderful time and a wonderful few weeks."

'Strictly Come Dancing' continues next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.