Strictly Come Dancing 2013: Fiona Fullerton sent home

The actress lost in the dance-off against Mark Benton

Fiona Fullerton hugs her partner Anton as she leaves Strictly Come Dancing 2013 (BBC)

Fiona Fullerton has become the seventh celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2013.

The actress and her partner Anton du Beke faced the dance-off against actor Mark Benton, who found himself in the bottom two for the second consecutive week.

Fullerton performed an American Smooth dance to “Come Fly with Me” by Frank Sinatra in the Blackpool Ballroom Tower, where the show was broadcast from this week.

But it was not enough to save the 57-year-old former Bond actress, who was sent home after head judge Len Goodman made the deciding vote to save Benton.

Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Fullerton, with Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli opting for Benton.

Goodman said it was a “very, very close decision” but felt nerves had got the better of Fullerton in the dance-off.

He said: “The thing is in the dance-off, you’ve really got to up your game or nerves stifle your performance. One couple I felt really did up their game. The other I think nerves got them and there was a lot of mistakes going on, and for that reason I’m going to save Mark.”

Speaking about her time on the show, Fullerton said: “It’s been the most amazing trip. It’s like being a guest at the best party in the world. It’s been fantastic, thank you.

“Anton has been unbelievably patient I can’t tell you. I honestly have a memory like a colander. He’s been utterly brilliant. It’s just lovely, thank you darling.”

Sunday night’s result show from Blackpool saw performances from JLS, with their new single “Billion Lights”, and renowned violinist André Reiu.

Despite the spectacular show, a theft was reported in the female dancers’ dressing room.

Lancashire Police are investigating a theft of jewellery, an iPad and a phone, which were stolen from a dressing room being used by Strictly stars.