Strictly’s Jamie Borthwick makes brutal 8-word dig about Tom Dean after shock exit
Olympic gold medalist Tom Dean, 24, and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova were controversially voted off Strictly Come Dancing after going up against Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones in the dance-off
Tom Dean’s sad surprise Strictly elimination on Sunday evening didn’t stop co-star Jamie Borthwick from ribbing the Olympic gold medalist.
The swimmer, 24, and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova were controversially voted off the BBC show after going up against Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones in the dance-off. Tom went on to share his heartbreak on Instagram, writing: “Coming straight from the Paris 2024 Olympics into Strictly Come Dancing has been a whirlwind but I’m so so proud
“The journey may have ended a little earlier than I hoped and of course I am so gutted, but I’m so grateful for all the amazing people I met, people I’ll be cheering on throughout and who I know will continue to smash it. And to my brilliant partner @nadiyabychkova , thank you so much for everything. You’ve been an amazing teacher and to have danced alongside you has been an absolute privilege. Over and out Strictly! You’ve been an absolute blast x.”
His comments were flooded with commiserations, with fellow pro Katya Jones writing: “So gutted for you and Nadiya.” While Nadiya herself commented: “So proud of you partner. You showed everyone the heart of an Olympic champion. I wish it could have lasted longer but it has been a wonderful few weeks.” Former It Take Two host Zoe Ball wrote: “be proud Tom. you and N were so good sad to see you go.”
Nadiya and Tom were eliminated from Strictly
But EastEnders star Jamie cheekily commented with a heart emoji: “3 gold medals and hands like shovels …. Soz.”
It comes after Nadiya posted a photo of herself with Tom on Instagram. It showed them both in their costumes as Nadiya emotionally wrote: “I really appreciate all the messages but I’m not ready to talk about what happened tonight just yet.”
She then added a pray hand emoji followed by a white love heart. During the show, Nadiya said she discovered Tom is not just a three-time Olympic champion but a “true gentleman”. She said: “He taught me how to work really hard and how to put everything in. And you know what? On this programme, sometimes to win, you don’t need to win, and that’s how I feel this year.”
Jamie and his partner Michelle wowed at the weekend (
Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
The judges were unable to reach a unanimous decision between Tom and Toyah. Anton Du Beke wanted to keep Tom, while Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Toyah, meaning it was down to head judge Shirley Ballas. In the end, she decided to keep Toyah, sending Tom home.
However, viewers have been left furious with the decision as many have called the outcome a fix. One person said: “Absolute fix. They obviously have some deal to give Neil more air time this year. Poor Tom. Not on at all.” Another added: “Tom has been robbed!! Toyah was by far the worse dancer!!! Absolute Fix.”
Someone else wrote: “Jeez. First week and already a disgraceful decision. Wasn’t your fault Tom.” Another wrote: Totally disagree with the decision this evening. Tom was far better.” Speaking of her decision, Shirley said: “I think both couples appeared a little bit nervous to start with and of course, this is our first dance-off.
“Both of them had some qualities, the first thing required as a dancer is timing and clarity. Both couples were a little bit in and out but one was a little bit more out than in, the same as what Motsi said. Due to musicality and other things that I had to pick and getting out there, your life depending on it, I have to save Toyah and Neil.”
