Warrington dances out of Strictly

Actor Don Warrington has become the fifth celebrity to be knocked out of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing series.

Judge Bruno Tonioli said his American Smooth, with partner Lilia Kopylova, was "a bit off".

They had to perform against singer Heather Small and her partner, Brian Fortuna, to stay in the series after the public vote.

Warrington said: "I am sad, Lilia is wonderful. I'm more sad that I won't be able to dance with her any more."

Judge Arlene Phillips said after Warrington's first dance: "I loved the start, you placed your arms well, you started to smile and I thought, 'fabulous you're relaxed'.

"Then suddenly it went cold, you started thinking about what you were doing; you wouldn't let the dance in. You started that way and then you finished another. Let the dance take over your body."

Character

Tonioli said: "Well you were a bit off tonight. For an actor it surprises me because you should get what the dance is about.

"The shoulder was up a little bit, it was not very good technically but usually you get the performance out. You get the character, you should really know how to come out and play".

Warrington and his partner received just 25 points out of a possible 40.

Three of the judges voted to save Small and Fortuna following the dance off.

Head judge Len Goodman said: "I disagreed. I would have voted for Don and Lilia. Heather did perform better, but I thought Don and Lilia gave a more polished and cleaner performance."

Kopylova said: "Don is great, I know how much he enjoyed this and he's tried so hard."

Strictly Come Dancing was beaten in the ratings by the X Factor for a second week running.

About 9.3 million viewers tuned in to watch the remaining 11 acts perform live, while Strictly attracted 8.6 million viewers.

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