Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson recently left the show after his body told him ‘it was the right time to go.’ The former footballer, aged 56, and his pro partner Karen Hauer were eliminated during the fourth results show of the series. Despite this, Paul expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition, thanking Sky Sports for allowing him to take part and saying he ‘loved’ the experience. He reflected on his time on the show, expressing that he still feels like a winner and has gained confidence as a dancer.
During the dance off that led to Paul’s elimination, both couples performed their routines again, with Paul and Karen showcasing their Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce. Ultimately, the judges chose to save JB Gill and Amy Dowden, resulting in Paul and Karen leaving the competition. Despite being eliminated, Paul commented on how much he enjoyed his time on the show, encouraging others to participate. He praised his partner Karen for her guidance and expressed his joy at being able to dance more confidently now compared to when he first started.
Following his departure, Paul revealed some history with judge Anton Du Beke during an appearance on a BBC Two spin-off show. Despite this connection, Paul’s previous interactions with Anton were not enough to save him from elimination. The results show also featured a routine from professional dancers Nancy Xu and Dianne Buswell, as well as a musical performance by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The remaining 11 couples will continue with the competition, with the upcoming Halloween Special set to air on October 26 and 27 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Speaking further on his experience on Strictly Come Dancing, Paul expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the chance to improve his dancing skills. He mentioned that his time on the show allowed him to feel more confident as a dancer and joked about now being able to dance with anyone. Despite his elimination, Paul’s positive outlook on his journey on the show and his appreciation for the support he received from his partner and the audience were evident.
Reflecting on the dance off and the judges’ decision to save their competitors, Paul spoke of his enjoyment throughout the competition and praised the teaching abilities of his partner Karen. He emphasized the joy and laughter he experienced during his time on the show and thanked Karen for helping him improve each week. Despite being eliminated, Paul expressed his pride in how far he had come as a dancer and acknowledged the hard work and dedication required to participate in a competition like Strictly Come Dancing.
Overall, Paul Merson’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing was one filled with gratitude, joy, and personal growth. Despite his departure from the show, he highlighted the positive impact the experience had on him as a dancer and as a person. With a newfound confidence in his dancing abilities, Paul left the show with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for the support he received throughout his time on the show.
