Tom Dean Eliminated as First Contestant from Strictly Come Dancing 2024

Olympic champion Tom Dean has been announced as the first celebrity to leave the 2024 series of the popular reality TV show, Strictly Come Dancing. Following a public vote during Saturday night’s episode, Dean and his professional dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova, were pitted against singer and actress Toyah Willcox in the show’s first dance-off of the season.

Dean, dressed in a sparkly fringed outfit, reprised an energetic cha-cha routine set to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland.” Despite his lively performance, he was unable to surpass Willcox and her partner, Neil Jones, who performed a jive to “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike & Tina Turner.

As the results unfolded, judge Anton Du Beke cast his vote in favor of Dean and Bychkova. However, head judge Shirley Ballas, along with the majority of the judging panel, ultimately chose to save Willcox and Jones.

Reflecting on his brief journey on the show, Dean expressed his gratitude, sharing, “I’ve had the best time the last few weeks and getting to work with Nadiya has been incredible. I wish we could have kept going.” His partner, Bychkova, praised Dean as a “true gentleman” and noted his dedication throughout the competition.

The show’s first results episode included a special “avant-garde gothic tango” performance by the series’ professional dancers and judges. Additionally, the jazz group Ezra Collective appeared, delivering a live rendition of “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing” featuring Yazmin Lacey.

This year, Strictly Come Dancing has introduced a number of behind-the-scenes changes following allegations from several former contestants regarding their experiences. The BBC, which broadcasts the program, has implemented measures such as chaperones in rehearsal rooms and dedicated welfare producers to address any welfare concerns.

The BBC continues its investigation into these allegations, with the network’s director general, Tim Davie, confirming efforts to seriously address such claims, albeit without specifying a completion date for the ongoing inquiry.