Strictly Come Dancing semi-final results: Lauren Steadman leaves competition after losing dance-off to Ashley Roberts

The former Pussycat Doll has been in the dance-off for three consecutive weeks

Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard on 'Strictly Come Dancing' (BBC)

Lauren Steadman has become the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing, losing to Ashley Roberts in the dance-off.

The former Pussycat Doll singer and dance partner Pasha Kovalev have been in the dance-off three weeks running, despite coming joint top of the leaderboard on Saturday (8 December) night.

All the judges elected to save Roberts, who has been criticised by some viewers for having dance experience.

Paralympic athlete Steadman and professional partner AJ Pritchard elected to dance their Tango, while Roberts and Kovalev performed their American Smooth.

Craig Revel Horwood called the winning pair’s dance “clean, precise and dynamic,” while Darcey Bussell said they had “a more finished performance”.

Bruno Tonioli said the duo were “more accomplished overall”, and Shirley Ballas – who was last to vote – said she agreed with her fellow judges and would have also saved Roberts and Kovalev.

Steadman said of leaving the competition: “I have absolutely loved my Strictly journey and it has been so much more than anyone ever tells you it’s going to be...

“Down to the smallest things – I mean outfits, hair, makeup, this man (Pritchard), the judges, all the choreographers. ... I can’t tell you just how magical it is.”

Pritchard said of his dance partner: “You have changed so many people’s opinions and it has always been about ability not disability.

“You have attacked everything. You have always been stubborn, you have always been ‘I will be able to get this lift’... It’s been a fantastic journey and you’ve done yourself proud.”

Sunday’s results show also featured a performance by Little Mix singing their latest single “Woman Like Me”.

The remaining four couples will return next weekend for Strictly Come Dancing: The Final, where it will be down to the viewers alone to decide who wins the BBC comeptition.