Alert – Strictly Come Dancing RESULT: Zara McDermott is the fifth celebrity to leave the show after facing Adam Thomas in the dreaded dance off

Zara McDermott  was the fifth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023 following Sunday’s dance off.

The former Love Island star, 26, faced the dreaded dance off against Adam Thomas as both celebrities tried to impress the judges one last time.

But Zara and her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima had to say their goodbyes after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard and losing the dance off.

Zara was scored a disappointing 25 out of 30 points with her Charleston to Jeepers Creepers by Al Donahue and his Orchestra. 

First up in the dance off was Adam and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk, who performed their American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, before Zara and Graziano performed for a second time.

After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Adam and Luba.

Craig said: ‘For me one couple did remarkably well and nailed that routine. That couple is Adam and Luba.’

Motsi Mabuse also chose to save Adam and Luba and said: ‘Well I feel there was definitely a fighting spirit from both couples, I think both couples improved remarkably, they were both stunning, I will save Adam and Luba’.

Anton Du Beke also agreed, adding: ‘Well it’s not much of a consolation now – but both couples danced very well and both couples put their best foot forward. But for me it was couple that was the best quality – and that couple is Adam and Luba.’

With three votes to Adam & Luba it meant they had won the majority vote and would be staying in the competition regardless, however Head Judge Shirley Ballas also said she would have decided to save Adam and Luba.

Shirley said, ‘I agreed I would have saved Adam and Luba.’

 Zara broke down in tears as she said: ‘I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.

‘My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can’t believe it’s over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them.’

Graziano was then asked if he had any words for his partner, he said: ‘She has been great for me 8:00am till 21:00pm. Never stopping asking just for a half an hour break. She is literally what Strictly is all about. 

‘A real novice, coming in, putting all the hard job. You have such a good soul. You are so humble and I say thank you that I found a friend like you. 

‘I have learnt so much from you. And your hard work within six weeks. You have never danced before. I am so proud of you. So proud of you honestly.’

Zara added: ‘He’s been here thought all the tough times and we are going to be friends forever’ 

The results show opened with a Wednesday Addams inspired routine from our Strictly professionals, and there will be a music performance from music legend Rick Astley with his new single ‘Forever and More’.

Adam made a triumphant return to Strictly on Saturday after bosses feared an illness could force him to miss out on the live show.

The Emmerdale actor’s performance was hanging in the balance with producers making last minute ‘contingency arrangements’ in case he couldn’t do it.

But taking to the dancefloor, the pair earned the highest score for the dance style of this series.

Adam, 35, was awarded 32 points from the judges, with Motsi Mabuse hailing it as his ‘best perfromance yet.’

A Strictly spokesperson told The Sun shortly before the show: ‘Adam is feeling much better and will be performing tonight.’

His wife Caroline and children had travelled down from Manchester to the Strictly studios to watch him.

It comes after Adam was expected to appear alongside his dance partner Luba Mushtuk on It Takes Two on Friday.

However, the pro dancer arrived solo and explained Adam was absent due to medical reasons.

Host Fleur East told viewers: ‘Unfortunately, Adam is feeling a bit under the weather, but please mention the lovely Luba Mushtuk.’

Luba then proceeded to tell the shocked viewers ‘it is so strange to be here by myself. He is resting now. He just didn’t feel very well but he is resting and getting ready for tomorrow night.’

The remaining nine couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 4 at 19:05pm, with the results show on Sunday November 5 at 7:20pm on BBC One.