Adam Thomas became the sixth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 on Sunday night.
The Waterloo Road actor, 35, and his pro partner Luba Mushtuk trailed at the bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday with their American Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott, scoring 27 points out of 40.
They faced Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington in a fearsome dance-off in a bid to impress judges Craig, Motsi, Anton and Shirley to remain in the competition.
But despite Anton calling the dance-off the ‘closest one’ so far this series, all four judges ultimately chose to save Angela and Kai.
When asked by Tess about his time on Strictly, an emotional Adam praised his ‘incredible’ time on the show and revealed he had joined for his kids.
Results: Adam Thomas is the sixth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023
Saturday: Adam and his professional partner Luba performed to Calum Scott’s rendition of Dancing on My Own
He said: ‘Seven incredible weeks, what a journey it’s been.
‘I honestly thought I was leaving in week two and the fact that I’ve got this far I’m so proud of myself, I’ve had an amazing time from start to finish.
‘I came here to learn how to dance and I’ve learned so much more about myself. The confidence and self-belief I now have in myself, it’s out of this world I have to thank all these guys up here.’
He continued: ‘What a bunch to be on this journey with, I’m just very, very lucky! I know my kids are at home now probably crying, it’s okay – Daddy’s okay!
‘I just wanted to teach my kids that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about taking part and doing your best. [To Luba] I just want to say thank you to this one and I’m sorry, I wanted to get us to Blackpool!’
Luba responded: ‘Don’t be sorry, you are incredible, I had the best season.
‘Just to get to know you, your family and kids, it’s been much more than just a dance show. You’re the winner of my heart forever and it’s better than a trophy.’
It comes after Adam admitted he’s been plagued with self-doubt while overcoming his debilitating illness to perform on the show.
Farewell: Adam and Luba shared a hug after they were defeated in a tense dance-off
Close: Despite judge Anton Du Beke calling the dance off the ‘closest one’ yet, ultimately the judges chose to save Kai and Angela
Sad: Adam had trailed at the bottom of the leaderboard and narrowly avoided going to Blackpool
Getting there: Adam says he has discovered a growing inner confidence throughout his Strictly journey and is now genuinely proud of his progress
Talking to The Sun, the Waterloo Road actor, 35, expressed how the workload has been incredibly challenging, as it leaves him with very little time for his family.
Adam, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis earlier this year, confessed that there have been some health setback due to his joints condition, as well as a recent flu outbreak that forced him to miss training.
He said: ‘There’s been a few emotional days because it is so strenuous due to the workload. Some days are tougher than others, but it’s all worth it.’
Despite the hardships, the Waterloo Road actor said that he recognises being on the show is only temporary, so aims to make the most of it.
Adam, who married Caroline Daly, 32, in 2017, went on to describe his wife as ‘unbelievable’.
In a candid tribute he said that he appreciates her unwavering support in managing their family and household responsibilities while he’s immersed in rehearsals.
Gushing about the blonde beauty who he has been with for 15 years, Adam highlighted her commitment to their two children, Teddy, nine, and Elsie, five, especially when it involved handling school runs and domestic tasks.
In the candid chat Adam admitted how coming from a family of TV personalities, including his brother Ryan and twin Scott, meant he grappled with self-doubt at times.
Struggling: Strictly Come Dancing star Adam Thomas has admitted he’s been plagued with self-doubt while overcoming his debilitating illness to perform on the show
Grateful: In a candid tribute he described his wife Caroline as ‘unbelievable’ and highlighted her commitment to their two children, Teddy, nine, and Elsie, five, while he’s on the show
However, he has discovered a growing inner confidence throughout his Strictly journey and is now genuinely proud of his progress on the show and has learned to believe in himself more.
He said: ‘It turns out I am good enough and should believe in myself a bit more.
‘I’m genuinely proud of what I’ve done so far in the show.’
Adam’s heart-wrenching Rumba on Saturday night left his wife Caroline in tears.
Claudia Winkleman said: ‘I know this song means so much to you, your wife was in tears’ to which Adam exclaimed: ‘Yeah that was our wedding song. It was extra special, it really was.’
The results show opened with a magnificent routine, choreographed by Strictly alumni, Oti Mabuse, and a performance from Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson singing ‘On My Love’ in the ballroom.
The remaining eight couples will take to the dancefloor next when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday November 11 at 6.05pm, with the results show on Sunday November 12 at 7.20pm on BBC One.
Strictly 2023: Week Seven Leaderboard
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – 39 points out of 40
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Jive to Shake Ur Body by Shy FX, T.Power, Di – 36 points out of 40
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Couple’s Choice to Wings by Birdy – 35 points out of 40
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Tango Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus – 33 points out of 40
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Argentine Tango to Sail by AWOLNATION -30 points out of 40
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Couple’s Choice to You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon – 29 points out of 40
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Waltz to Fascination by Nat King Cole – 28 points out of 40
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk – American Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott – 27 points out of 40
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Samba to Ain’t It Funny by Jennifer Lopez – 27 points out of 40