nikita kuzmin
The departing star said they were "really gutted" to be leaving the ballroom at this stage of the competition.
The West End performer and his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin had the judges on their feet during Saturday's live show.
The departing celeb hailed Strictly as a "life-changing" experience.
“On the border she had to walk five miles, she hadn’t walked until last year."
"Just so happy to be together," the Ukrainian dancer said.
"Every time we hear gunshots or explosions in the background, she’s always telling us that it’s a movie she’s put on TV."
The pro dancer, who is paired with Tilly Ramsay, promised to be back "as soon as I can".
"Tilly was the one who unbuttoned my button! Check the VR!"
Nikita ended up performing completely shirtless when he and Tilly Ramsay landed in the bottom two for the third time.
Meanwhile, Dan Walker found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard – but he wasn't alone.