Former Olympic hockey player Sam Quek and her professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin have been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2024.

The pair, who scored a respectable 29 from judges with their American smooth to Taylor Swift’s Love Story (Taylor's Version), will depart despite Pete Wicks and his partner Jowita Przystal scoring a measly 22.

Quek and Kuzmin were defeated in the dance-off with former Olympian and Gladiator Montell Douglas and her dance partner Johannes Radebe, who scored a 35 for their waltz to I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.

All four judges agreed unanimously to save Douglas and Radebe.

Sam Quek says she's 'gutted' after being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2024

Speaking about her time on the beloved BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, Sam Quek said: “I’m gutted, I just want to say thank you. I’ve learned so much. Strictly has just brought that spring in my step back.

“It’s just been an absolute joy. Nikita, you’ve been key in helping me find that inner Sam that was there, who went a little bit quiet for maybe one or two years and has just come back.

“I’m gutted because I do feel like I still have more to give.”

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Her partner, Kuzmin added: “I’m just in awe of this girl. Sometimes they say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but to me it’s about the company. Sam you are the most wonderful company I could have had.”

The 36-year-old went on to describe her partnership with her professional partner as “magical”.

Quek and Kuzmin will join Fleur East on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday, November 4 at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.