Strictly Come Dancing: 'I never thought I'd get this far!' Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova miss out on a semi-final place after tense dance-off with Alexandra Burke

Published: 20:28 GMT, 3 December 2017 | Updated: 17:09 GMT, 4 December 2017

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Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova have become the tenth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, missing out on a place in the next week's semi-final.

The EastEnders actor, 35, was eliminated from the competition after finding himself in the dance-off for the second time with Alexandra Burke, who was also in the bottom two for a second week running.

Reflecting on his time on the show a modest Davood said: 'There have been so many highlights I’ve had, honestly the best time.

Out: Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova have become the tenth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, missing out on a place in the next week's semi-final

'I never thought I’d get this far which is why I’m smiling as I never thought I’d reach this point. I never thought I’d get to see and meet such amazing people.'

'To dance in front of audiences like this has been a real gift and I’ve never done anything like this before so it’s been an unforgettable experience.

Paying tribute to the support of his fans and his beloved wife and daughters he said: 'I’m going to spend the next couple of weeks at home dancing with my two beautiful girls who are now huge fans of the show.

'It’s all because of one person and I also need to thank so many people, my beautiful family, my wife who’s been running Team Ghadami whilst we’ve been doing this.'

Tough competition: The EastEnders actor, 35, was eliminated from the competition after finding himself in the dance-off for the second time with Alexandra Burke, who was also in the bottom two for a second week running

The hunky star reserved his final thank you for his stunning dance partner and 'really good friend' Nadiya saying: 'This is Nadiya’s first year on this show and I think she’s done incredibly well.

'She’s done brilliant choreography, she’s a brilliant dancer and she’s a great teacher and now she’s a really good friend and I’m so privileged to have met her, thank you!'

Returning the praise in kind,the Ukranian dancer thanked Davood for being a fantastic dance partner.

Head to head: The pair waited nervously as the results were read out on Sunday evening

She said: 'I’m such a lucky girl to have you as my partner and it’s such a privilege to have been part of your journey because I think it’s been incredible, the way you’ve improved and come so far, thank you for everything.'

The pair's time on Strictly came to an end after they failed to impress the judges with their Argentine Tango to the Phantom of the Opera, which scored 29 points and landed them joint bottom with Gemma Atkinson and Aljaz Skorjanec during the show's musicals week.

Alexandra's place in the dance-off for the second consecutive week was made even more shocking due to the fact that she and dance partner Gorka Marquez had topped the leaderboard with their Charleston to Supercalifragilistic, scoring a near-perfect 39.

Reflecting on his time on the show a modest Davood said: 'There have been so many highlights I’ve had, honestly the best time'

With both couples performing their routines again, it was Alexandra and Gorka who found themselves sailing through to the semi-final with all four judges voting to save them.

Craig Revel Horwood said: 'This couple were out there on a mission and completely and utterly nailed it. That couple is Alexandra and Gorka.'

Darcey Bussell added: 'Well both couples gave 100% tonight and it’s tough to see anybody go but there was one performance that totally outshined the other and that was Alexandra and Gorka.'

Well done: With both couples performing their routines again, it was Alexandra and Gorka who found themselves sailing through to the semi-final with all four judges voting to save them

Close call: But ultimately it was Davood's turn to leave the show on Sunday evening

Sealing Davood and Nadiya's fate Bruno Tonioli said: 'The strongest, more powerful, overall better. Alexandra and Gorka.'

Head judge Shirley Ballas' vote therefore did not count but she said she agreed with her fellow judges and would have also saved Alexandra and Gorka.

Saturday night's show saw Debbie McGee join Alexandra at the top of the leaderboard after her and dance partner Giovanni Pernice's Cats-themed American Samba netted them a magnificent 39 points.

Farewell: The pair's time on Strictly came to an end after they failed to impress the judges with their Argentine Tango to the Phantom of the Opera, which scored 29 points

Goodbye: Davood and dance partner Nadiya got a conciliatory hug from co-host Tess

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Sunday’s results show opened with a spectacular group performance of some of the most popular songs from the musical Dreamgirls accompanied by the stars from the show and the professional dancers.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were looking as chic as always for the show, rocking with Tess rocking a Hasan Hejazi dress for the evening.

There was also a stunning musical performance from the Leading Ladies - Beverley Knight, Amber Riley and Cassidy Janson.

The remaining five couples will perform two dances next week when Strictly Come Dancing returns for the semi-final on BBC One.