Strictly Come Dancing 2015 week 4: Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff leave competition after failing to impress with their American Smooth

They were up against Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole in the dance-off

(BBC)

Daniel O’Donnell dismissed claims earlier this week that he was not getting along with Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Unfortunately, the cracks in their relationship were showing during Saturday and Sunday nights' performance, as the pair became the third contestants to leave the BBC show.

O’Donnell faced off against Sports News Anchor Kirsty Gallacher and her partner Brendan Cole in the dreaded dance off, having received the lowest amount of votes from the public in combination with the judges scores.

Daniel and Kristina performed their American Smooth to “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra while Kirsty and Brendan did their Paso Doble to “Beautiful Day” by U2 once more.

The judges unanimously decided that O’Donnell’s performance was the weaker if the two, with Craig Revel Horwood saying: “One couple did really, really well in the dance off and one couple I am afraid made a lot of mistakes. I am going for the couple that was the most powerful, and that was Kristy and Brendan.”

After hearing the judges results, O’Donnell was asked by host Tess Dal if he had enjoyed his time on the show: “Absolutely – whatever I have given [to the show], I have received tenfold - absolutely and honestly. I want to say thank you to all the people who voted.”

His dancing partner added, “You were such a joy to work with; you are the most wonderful guy, always there with a smile, always ready to learn. It was an absolutely wonderful experience for me, so thank you so much.”

The results show also featured a performance from Will Young backed by professional dancers Aliona Vilani, Oti Mabuse and Karen Clifton.

The remaining twelve couples will take to the dance floor once more next week when Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 24th October at 6.35pm with the results show on Sunday 25th October at 7.15pm on BBC One.