Singer and Strictly star Shayne Ward has told fans that appearing in the bottom two of Strictly for a second time has “truly gutted” him.
The 40-year-old took to Instagram to share his feelings on his current position in the competition amidst claims of overconfidence among fans.
Ward and dance partner Nancy Xu faced the dance-off despite finishing seventh on the leaderboard with 31 points by the end of Halloween Week.
In his Instagram post, he explained his heartbreak over a second dance-off appearance but stressed: “I’ve loved every minute of this journey so far and I’ve put my absolute heart and soul into it all.”
The X Factor winner said he was particularly excited to perform during Halloween Week and dance the Paso Doble.
“Everything about the dance, the music and Nancy’s beautiful choreography was truly amazing.”
Ward and Xu learn they will face the dance-off
BBC
He added that their Halloween dance allowed him to “finally let myself go and play a character and I’m so so grateful for that”.
Ward revealed the hardest element of the conversation is “being up against people that have become friends and you’re the reason they are going home”.
He thanked eliminated contestant Punam Krishan for her kindness and support, adding: “I’ve always been in absolute awe how you have managed to work full time, look after your amazing children, train and then come out each week and perform incredibly.“
“I’m so sad I won’t get to see you each weekend.”
Returning to his fans, Ward thanked them for “messages of kindness and support each week”.
The Strictly star also lavished thanks on his “amazing teacher” and “truly special friend” Nancy Xu who he credits with helping him find his “true self through this journey”.
The pair’s Paso Doble was highly marked by judges, with all except head judge Shirley Ballas awarding them an eight totalling 31 overall.
Ballas, who gave the couple a seven, said she was “a little confused” by their performance with Ward appearing to take a step back in what she says is traditionally thought of as “the man’s dance”.
Fellow judge Anton Du Beke complimented the dance as “theatrically magnificent” but felt that caused the Paso Doble technique to “suffer”.
When it came to the dance-off, all four judges chose to save Ward and Xu over Krishan and Marquez.
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Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu found themselves in the Strictly dance-off for a second time
BBC
Judge Motsi Mabuse suggested her vote to save Ward and Xu was based on their ceiling not being reached and “how much more” the couple can improve on the show.
Ward will hope his reputation among fans will improve along with his scores. Since appearing on the show, fans have criticised him for an apparent cockiness and lack of humility.
The singer had previously addressed these comments, saying: “Through my smile on TV I’m as nervous as the next person. Not cocky or overconfident… I’m nervous!”