Ugo Monye became the fourth celebrity contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing during Sunday night’s episode.
He was forced to cancel last week’s broadcast due to a back injury.
Ugo, a rugby player, and Oti Makbuse, his partner, were in the dance-off with TV presenter Rhys Stephenson (27), and Nancy Xu (30).
End of an era: Ugo Monye was the fourth celebrity contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing during Sunday night’s episode (pictured on Saturday)
But Ugo’s Rumba for Leave The Door Open was not enough to keep him on the show.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all opted to save Rhys – with Shirley Ballas adding that she would have made the same decision.
Craig said, “I just wanted to say that I have the deepest respect for any celebrity who is brave enough come on this show to share their heart and soul with the nation. It takes guts.”
Anton said, “Well, it turns out that the danceoff seems to instill some in the couples and they have produced their best performances.”
Tough competition: Rugby player Ugo, 38, and his partner Oti Mabuse, 31, landed in the dance-off against TV presenter Rhys Stephenson, 27, and Nancy Xu, 30 (pictured on Saturday)
Tried their best: After missing last week due to a back injury, there was no sympathy from Craig, who told Ugo that his dance ‘lacked musicality’ and was ‘stiff and heavy footed’
Ugo, who is most well-known as a pundit for A Question Of Sport said that she loves it. It’s an honor to be on this show. All I wanted to do each week was just get better, and I’ve done that.
He thanked Oti for being patient with him and wished his fellow contestants all the best.
‘To the judges – Craig – I think it’s really important to say that if you’re willing to accept the positive comments, you have to accept the criticism as well so thank you for all of your comments,’ he concluded.
Oti continued: “I stand here right now feeling very, very grateful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to partner with you.
Upset: Ugo wrote earlier this month to his fans: “Unfortunately, I’m not going be able to dance this Saturday on the show.”
“Thank you for having my as a teacher and trainer. It is an honor to work on the best TV show in the country with the most famous celebrities. [Ugo]Thank you, thank your, thank-you, thankyou.
He was forced to cancel last week’s broadcast due to a back injury.
The Twitter post was heartfelt and shared by the rugby union player: “Unfortunately, I’m not going be able to dance this Saturday on the show.”
“I have a history with back problems that has been managed under the guidance medical professionals. This week, however, it has been causing me some problems that I don’t want!
Star power: Judges Craig Revel Horwood (far left), Motsi Mabuse (centre left) and Anton Du Beke (far right) all opted to save Rhys – with Shirley Ballas (centre right) adding that she would have made the same decision
Ugo stated that he was ‘gutted” to not be back on the dance floor this weekend with Oti.
‘Wishing all the other contestants the best of luck & will be cheering them on from home,’ the star concluded in his thread.
His eagerly awaited return will be celebrated. Craig was not sympathetic. He told Ugo that Craig’s dance lacked musicality and was’stiff, heavy footed’.
Shirley observed that Ugo was a bit off, and Anton commented that there were “a few technical issues”. He said that they weren’t their best, but not their worst.
The remaining couples will continue to dance next Saturday on BBC One at 7.10pm. The results show airs on Sunday at 7.15pm.