Who Went Home on Strictly Come Dancing Tonight?
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the well-known former Chelsea and Leeds United striker, became the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing in what might be the most emotional exit of this season so far. The ballroom, usually buzzing with nerves and sequins, was heavy with surprise and a touch of disappointment as Hasselbaink and his professional partner Lauren Oakley bowed out after a tense dance-off against West End star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
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The elimination dance-off didn’t make anyone’s Saturday easier. Both couples returned to the floor, reprising their routines from the previous night: Hasselbaink and Oakley tapped into the spirit of Prince with an American Smooth to "Purple Rain," while Amber and Nikita worked an energetic Cha Cha Cha to Ariana Grande’s "Break Free." You could feel the tension on the judges’ faces. After much consideration, every single judge opted to save Amber and Nikita, which secured their place in the upcoming Halloween special and sent Jimmy packing. The casting vote, held by Anton Du Beke, ultimately confirmed the outcome.
It was a result that rattled fans and left many wondering if the show had taken an unexpected turn. Hasselbaink’s season had been the definition of steady progress, with clear signs of growth week by week. He had just scored a personal best of 30 points at the latest performance and had never landed in the bottom two before tonight. Viewers on social media rushed to share their disappointment, some saying that Jimmy personified what Strictly is all about: total beginners learning, risking, being genuinely surprised by their own ability to shine, even for just a week.
Strictly isn’t only about the leaderboard; stories unfold week after week, and everyone in the audience knows what it’s like to root for a real underdog. Hasselbaink’s journey was clear: a footballer with little formal experience ready to learn. His growth was genuinely noted by judges, professionals, and viewers alike. And tonight, the ballroom felt a bit emptier for it. On leaving, he thanked his daughters for encouraging him to take part, as well as the many behind-the-scenes talents who keep the Strictly machine moving, the wardrobe staff, the makeup team, and that ever-busy hair department.
Lauren Oakley, his dancing partner, added her own heartfelt reflection. She shared how much she’d enjoyed teaching Jimmy, commenting how anyone can really dance if they set their mind to it, football boots or not. The camaraderie and laughter they had shared would stick with her for a long time. That’s maybe the real twist everyone secretly loves about Strictly: the bonds built in a whirl of sequins, footwork, and cheerful chaos.
So, as Amber and Nikita gear up for the Halloween special, Strictly says goodbye to another surprise contender. Hasselbaink exits with pride, knowing he’s proved at least for this series and definitely to everyone watching that footballers can absolutely dance. Maybe not to the final, but sometimes, making a point and creating memories is more valuable than winning glitterballs. Next week, even those missing Jimmy will keep watching, sharing their opinions in group chats and on X, because, as Strictly fans know, there’s always another dance, and always another surprise on the way.
Disclaimer: Strictly Come Dancing results are based on BBC broadcast and official announcements from the October 26, 2025, episode. Viewer reactions reflect public sentiment from social media discussions.
