Strictly Come Dancing: Dev's departure shocks fans

Dianne-and-Dev-dancing.Image source, BBC/Guy Levy

It was a dramatic weekend in the Strictly ballroom after radio DJ Dev Griffin became the third celebrity to be voted out of the competition.

Having pulled off some impressive routines in the early stages of the competition, Dev and his professional partner Dianne Buswell looked visibly shocked with the result.

They competed in the dance-off against Viscountess Weymouth and Aljaz Skorjanec - but their cha cha cha wasn't enough.

While making her decision, Judge Motsi Mabuse said: "Particularly in the Dance Off, Emma and Aljaž were the couple that looked more rehearsed and on top of it."

The rest of the judging panel agreed with Motsi, sending Dev and Dianne home.

Ola Jordan, who used to be a professional dancer on the show, posted on social media: "So sorry Dev and Dianne. I must say I have loved all your dances every week. Unfortunately your journey was cut very short. You had so much talent and potential."

Her husband, Dancing on Ice Champion 2019 James Jordan, added: "Dev was a potential finalist... WHY????? #Strictly"

"As dancers there's absolutely no comparison DEV is far far better even though this was his weakest dance so far. Although Emma's performance was more fun and energetic BUT the judges should be judging the dancing and public judge their favourite," he said.

Dev described his Strictly experience as "incredible" and wrote a message on social media saying: "I wish I could have stayed a bit longer but sadly my Strictly ride has come to an end."

Calling his partner Dianne "the best", Dev went on to say: "Thank you to all of the production team, wardrobe, make-up, crew, pro dancers and celebs for looking after me and being like family to me these past few weeks."

Dianne, who was visibly upset as the couple took to the floor for the last time at the end of the results show, posted online that her "heart is broken" and that he was a "dream to teach".

Dev joins James Cracknell and Anneka Rice, who have already left the competition.