Sixth Couple Eliminated as Shirley Ballas Casts Deciding Vote
Bethany Antonia and her professional partner Nancy Xu have become the sixth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026, after landing in the dance-off against former Love Island contestant Cach Mercer and his partner Maddie Ingoldsby. The result was decided by head judge Shirley Ballas, who used her casting vote to save Mercer and Ingoldsby, sending Antonia and Xu home.
The elimination, which aired on Sunday 8 November, came after a split decision among the judges. Following the dance-off, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood voted to save Antonia and Xu, while Anton Du Beke voted to save Mercer and Ingoldsby. With the panel divided, Ballas opted to keep Mercer and Ingoldsby in the competition, meaning Antonia and Xu were eliminated.
Dance-Off Details and Leaderboard Context
Earlier in the weekend, Antonia and Xu had impressed the judges with their foxtrot to Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love,” earning a score of 30. Mercer and Ingoldsby received 26 points for their waltz to “That Ain’t You” by Mulaa Jones. Despite Antonia and Xu scoring four points higher than their rivals, the public vote placed both couples in the bottom two, forcing them to perform their routines again in the dance-off.
The decision left many viewers divided, with some expressing frustration on social media that Antonia and Xu had been eliminated despite a higher judges’ score. The result underscores the unpredictable nature of the competition, where the public vote can override the judges’ leaderboard standings.
A Turbulent Journey for Antonia and Xu
Bethany Antonia, known for her role in House of the Dragon, and Nancy Xu have had a rocky path in this year’s competition. Despite impressing with their dancefloor debut, the pair faced two dance-offs before their elimination. They first landed in the bottom two during Icons Week against Dame Sarah Storey, which Xu later described as a “wake-up alarm.” Then, last weekend, they encountered a controversial Halloween twist that forced three couples to compete for survival.
In an interview with Metro, Antonia revealed how she and Xu coped with the pressure. “We are hilariously offline. It’s painful,” she laughed. “But in a really nice way, because it makes the process feel so much more intimate.” She explained that they chose to focus on the joy of performing rather than external noise. “We loved that dance so much, and we had such a good time. We were so locked in on how much fun we had, so having to do it again was just like, ‘OK!’”
Xu added, “The competition is already very physically challenging, so we are choosing which direction we want to look. Just like coming back from a dance-off, we can choose to also think about the negativity, or we can choose to cherish something beautiful.”
Antonia also spoke about the significance of dancing in a same-sex couple, following in the footsteps of celebrated duos like John Whaite and Johannes Radebe and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin. She described the experience as “really special.”
Week Seven Highlights and Remembrance Sunday Tribute
The results show also featured a special professional group routine choreographed by Lizzie Gough to David Bowie’s “Heroes” in commemoration of Remembrance Sunday, alongside a musical performance from Gregory Porter. The episode balanced the tension of the dance-off with moments of reflection and entertainment.
Dani Dyer and her partner Nikita Kuzmin topped the leaderboard on Saturday night after receiving their first ten of the series and scoring 36 for their American smooth routine. The couple’s performance marked a high point in a weekend of erratic scoring, with Cach Mercer and John Nellis tied at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Looking Ahead to Week Eight
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 14 November at 6:25pm, with actress Jaime Winstone expected to return to the dancefloor after missing the latest live show due to an injury. The competition is now at its midway point, and the stakes are higher than ever as remaining couples vie for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Public Reaction and Judges’ Decision Under Scrutiny
The elimination has sparked debate among Strictly fans, with some questioning the judges’ decision to save Mercer and Ingoldsby over Antonia and Xu. One viewer wrote on X: “Sorry, Bethany and Nancy were better. What a joke Strictly is. Cach and Maddie need to go.” Another added: “Sorry but Cach and Maddie should’ve gone. Same comments every week!”
The split decision highlights the sometimes controversial role of the head judge’s casting vote. Shirley Ballas has faced criticism in the past for her decisions, and this latest elimination is likely to fuel further discussion about the format and the balance between judges’ scores and public voting.
The Broader Impact of Antonia’s Exit
Antonia’s elimination is significant not only for the competition but also for representation on mainstream television. As a member of a same-sex couple, she and Xu have contributed to the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ relationships in entertainment. Their journey, though cut short, has been celebrated by many fans and marks another step forward in the normalization of diverse partnerships in popular culture.
Moreover, the result serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Strictly Come Dancing, where a strong judges’ score does not guarantee safety. The public vote remains a powerful force, and couples must resonate with audiences to avoid the dance-off. As the competition progresses, the remaining celebrities will need to balance technical skill with audience appeal to stay in the running.
What’s Next for Antonia and Xu?
While their Strictly journey has ended, both Antonia and Xu have expressed gratitude for the experience. Antonia, who has previously spoken about the challenges of the competition, will return to her acting career, while Xu will continue to be a part of the Strictly professional lineup. Their partnership has left an impression on viewers, and their graceful exit is likely to be remembered as one of the more poignant moments of the season.
In the meantime, the focus shifts to the remaining couples as they prepare for Week Eight. With the competition heating up and the public vote proving decisive, every performance will be crucial. Fans can expect more drama, dazzling routines, and perhaps a few surprises as Strictly Come Dancing 2026 enters its second half.
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