Strictly Come Dancing pro Kai Widdrington has taken to social media to address his exit from this year's show following Vicky Pattison's dance-off defeat to Balvinder Sopal.
The former Geordie Shore star was unanimously booted from the show by the Strictly judges after she and Mr Widdrington failed to impress with their fast-paced Jive.
Ms Pattison and Ms Sopal were joint-bottom of the Week Eight leaderboard, with the latter and her partner Julian Caillon also struggling to win over the public with their American Smooth.
The 38-year-old, who topped the leaderboard just one week earlier with a near-perfect score of 39, was left in tears as she and Mr Widdrington said their goodbyes during Sunday's results show.
BBC Strictly: Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington danced a Jive on Saturday
|BBC
During the show, Ms Pattison said to outgoing host Tess Daly: "It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time.
"I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest as I have every week. Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past Week One.
"And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here."
As she gestured towards Mr Widdrington, she continued: "I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for.
BBC Strictly: Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington faced the dance-off against Balvinder and Julian
|BBC
"I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool, but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful."
Mr Widdrington reciprocated the praise soon after: "You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent - and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.
"I'm going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever."
In the hours after their exit was confirmed, social media was soon awash with fans' complaints, with several suggesting Ms Pattison should've remained in the competition.
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This was Ms Sopal's fourth dance-off stint, while it was only the first for Ms Pattison. But despite that fact, the judges gave EastEnders star Ms Sopal a ticket to Blackpool.
Following the shock departure, Mr Widdrington took to Instagram to pay tribute to Ms Pattison, who has yet to acknowledge the results on social media at the time of writing.
Mr Widdrington wrote: "Wow, what a journey! While it is with genuine sadness we leave the competition, it has been the most amazing fun and pleasure dancing with the wonderful Vicky Pattison.
"You not only conquered your fears and your nerves, but you showed the world what an amazing dancer you are and how far you’ve come from being a complete novice.
BBC Strictly: Vicky Pattison was embraced by her co-stars
|BBC
"I am incredibly proud to have been your dance partner in this wonderful adventure that we call strictly and I truly wish we could’ve taken our journey even further.
"Thank you to all our incredible Strictly supporters who voted every single week. Your energy and belief is why we worked so hard on that dance floor. We love you all!
"Good luck to everybody else who remains in the competition, and see you all in Blackpool! This won’t be the last you see of us," he signed off. (sic)
Inevitably, it didn't take long for fans to react, as well as some familiar faces from the world of Strictly.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who recently departed the show alongside pro partner Karen Hauer, replied: "What a gent!! What you have achieved with @vickypattison is nothing short of amazing!"
"So sorry to see you both go," said fellow dancer Gorka Marquez while Carlos Gu, who remains in the contest with Karen Carney, shared a series of love heart emojis with the message: "You guys will be missed x." (sic)