Strictly Come Dancing 2013 semi-final: Patrick Robinson loses to Natalie Gumede

The Casualty actor and his dance partner Anya Garnis have left the competition

Actor Patrick Robinson and his dance partner Anya Garnis have left the competition (BBC)

Actor Patrick Robinson has narrowly missed out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final next weekend, after viewers chose to vote him off the show tonight.

The Casualty actor and his dance partner Anya Garnis faced Sunday’s dance off for the third time, alongside newcomers to the bottom two, Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede and professional Artem Chigvintsev.

To decide which couples must face the dance-off, the judges’ scores are combined with the results of the viewers’ votes.

Both couples were asked to perform one of their routines again; Patrick and Anya performed their Waltz to the Righteous Brothers "Unchained Melody" and Natalie and Artem performed their Argentine Tango to "Montserrat" by Bajofondo.

Then, it was down to judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell to deliver their verdicts.

Craig, Darcey and Bruno all opted to save Natalie and Artem, while head judge said that he would have agreed had the result not already been decided.

“I’ve had an incredible journey, an incredible time, what an experience," said Patrick, when asked about his time on the show. "Anya Garnis is just an incredible dancer, an incredible choreographer.”

“My highlight really may be a surprise, but being in the training room was the place I had the most fun and the most hard work," the actor continued. "Being here was just the icing on the cake.”

Patrick's dance partner paid tribute to his hard-working attitude. “You surprised me, you delivered week after week, but more than anything you inspired me so much," said Anya.

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"I couldn’t have done it without you. I think from my heart that you are a true artist."

Sunday night's show opened with a high energy performance from Strictly's professional dancers that featured a surprise appearance from magical illusionist Dynamo.

"Without wanting to spoil it this is the semi-final week and I already know who is going to win Strictly this year – I think it will surprise you all," said Dynamo who can, apparently, tell the future.

Further entertainment was provided by two professional dancers who showed this year's celebrities how their art is really done with a stunning routine, before Grammy Award-winning songstress Celine Dion performed her single "Breakaway".

Following Patrick's departure, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede remain to compete in the first ever all-female Strictly showdown.

Natalie, model Abbey and BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna are the favourites to win but Natalie is edging ahead, with bookmakers placing odds of 13/5 on her victory according to odds comparison site easyodds.com.

Who will be crowned belle of the ballroom and lift the Glitter Ball trophy next Saturday?