Dan Walker becomes the TENTH star to leave Strictly Come Dancing

Dan Walker paid tribute to ballroom partner Nadiya Bychkova on Sunday as he became the tenth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after facing AJ Odudu in the dance-off. 

Both performed again, with Dan and Nadiya dancing their Tango to Santa Maria by Gotan Project before AJ and her partner Kai Widdrington's Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. 

After both couples had danced a second time the judges delivered their verdicts, with the vote swinging favourably towards AJ and Kai. 

Craig Revel Horwood  said: 'Well I’ve got to say, Dan I think you did such a great job in the dance off, that’s the best I’ve ever seen you dance, ever! 

'AJ, you totally nailed that last bit, that was fantastic, a dilemma, but the couple I am going to save is AJ and Kai.'

Motsi Mabuse also hose to save AJ and Kai, telling the couples: 'Well another strong dance off. It’s just an amazing year and to be part of the team I think is absolutely sensational. 

'Dan you did a great job, AJ you did, for me, the better job, and I’m saving AJ and Kai.' 

In agreement, Anton du Beke added: 'Can I just say, it’s a thing to make the quarter finals of Strictly Come Dancing, and to pick this year of all years, to make the quarter finals would have guaranteed you a place in the final in any other year. 

'It was an immense dance off, congratulations to both of you. You danced brilliantly, but the edge just goes, for me, to AJ and Kai.'

With three votes to AJ and Kai, it meant they had won the majority vote, and Dan and Nadiya would be leaving the competition. 

Head Judge Shirley Ballas said she would have agreed with her fellow judges, and saved AJ and Kai. 

When asked by Tess about their time on the show, Dan

read more from dailymail.....