Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has shared his emotions after leaving Strictly Come Dancing, marking a heartfelt end to his ballroom journey. The former football star became the fourth celebrity to exit the competition after a tense dance-off against Amber Davies.
Despite achieving one of his best performances, the 53-year-old ex-Leeds and Chelsea striker landed in the bottom two. Together with his partner Lauren Oakley, he earned 30 points for their graceful American Smooth to Purple Rain by Prince. However, the judges chose to save Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin, who scored 33 points for their lively Cha Cha Cha.
Following his exit, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink expressed deep gratitude and pride. He said he felt honored to prove that “a footballer can dance” and to inspire his daughters. The proud father also emphasized the value of hard work and stepping beyond comfort zones.
In a touching message, he thanked Lauren for her patience, skill, and encouragement. He also praised the wardrobe, makeup, and camera teams, calling them the “heartbeat of the show.” Fans received a heartfelt thank-you as he promised to cheer for his fellow contestants from the sidelines.
During his farewell chat with host Tess Daly, the sports legend reflected on his experience with a smile. He said he “absolutely loved” every moment and enjoyed performing again to improve his earlier dance. The journey, he admitted, left him proud and fulfilled.
Lauren Oakley described her partner as a joy to teach and said she was “gutted” to see him go. She highlighted how his effort proved that anyone can dance if they put their mind to it.
Elsewhere in the competition, Amber Davies expressed mixed emotions after surviving the dance-off. While judges praised her technique, some viewers questioned her prior West End dance experience. Still, she vowed to return stronger in the next round.
The leaderboard remains tight. Lewis Cope led the scores with 34 points, while George Clarke ranked lowest with 27. Contestants such as La Voix, Balvinder Sopal, and Ellie Goldstein continue to compete fiercely for their place in the spotlight.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink may have left the dance floor, yet his courage and positivity left a lasting mark. His transformation from footballer to dancer inspired many, showing that determination can shine brighter than perfection.
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