In an emotional rollercoaster on Strictly Come Dancing‘s companion show It Takes Two, Scottish presenter Ross King was reduced to tears as he delivered a heartfelt thank you to judge Anton Du Beke. The poignant moment came after Ross and his professional dance partner, Jowita Przystal, were eliminated from the competition during Sunday night’s dramatic results show, marking the end of their dazzling journey on the BBC’s beloved dance floor.
Ross and Jowita faced off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon in a tense dance-off. Both pairs reprised their routines from Saturday’s show, with Ross and Jowita igniting the stage with their fiery paso doble to the Thunderbirds Are Go theme, while Balvinder and Julian delivered a graceful foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight from Swing Time. Despite their best efforts, the judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—unanimously voted to save Balvinder and Julian, advancing them to week four. Head judge Shirley Ballas, though not required to vote, confirmed she would have made the same decision.
Appearing on It Takes Two with host Fleur East, Ross reflected on his Strictly experience with a mix of gratitude and raw emotion. “I have loved every single minute of it,” he said, his voice thick with sincerity. “Thank you to everyone who has supported us—the voters, the crew, the judges, everyone backstage. You’ve all made me feel so welcome.” Turning to Jowita, his partner and guiding light, Ross added, “I want to thank this very special lady who’s been my mentor, teacher, and carer. I couldn’t have wished for a better partner or a better show.”
Jowita, visibly moved, shared her bittersweet feelings about their exit. “Of course it’s sad, and I’m gutted,” she admitted. “But I’m so proud of Ross and what he achieved in that short but sweet month in the training room. You should be very proud of yourself.” Her words underscored the deep bond they’d formed, a partnership that shone both on and off the dance floor.
Ross described his Strictly journey as “the most wonderful, magical, fun journey,” emphasizing that he harbored “not one ounce of complaint or regret.” The emotional high point of the evening came when Fleur presented Ross with a rosette, celebrating his remarkable progress as the competition’s most improved celebrity—a title inspired by Anton Du Beke’s glowing praise. On Saturday, Anton had declared, “He’s done it again—he’s most improved again!” Those words resonated deeply with Ross, who had entered the competition with modest expectations. “We always said we were in our own little bubble, not really part of the main competition,” Ross shared. “So to be called most improved last week, and again this week, was just amazing. Anton, thank you—I really appreciate it.”
As Fleur played a montage of Ross and Jowita’s Strictly highlights, the presenter’s emotions overflowed. “I’m welling up already,” he confessed, his voice breaking as he reflected on his mission to inspire older men to take up dancing. The tears, the gratitude, and the heartfelt message to his friend Anton Du Beke painted a picture of a man who had given his all, leaving the Strictly stage with no regrets and a heart full of memories.
Ross King’s journey may have ended, but his infectious spirit and emotional farewell will linger in the hearts of Strictly fans, proving that sometimes, the true victory lies in the joy of the dance itself.