Michelle Tsiakkas has opened up about Jamie Borthwick’s struggles before their emotional Strictly Come Dancing departure, following fans shock over the recent eliminations.
EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick was the ninth star to depart from the BBC One dance floor alongside partner Michelle on Sunday night (November 24), after a tense dance-off with Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe.
Performing their foxtrot once again to Stand By Me by Ben E King, which had previously earned them 32 points on Saturday’s (November 23) live show, Jamie and Michelle were unable to sway the judges. Montell and Johannes, repeating their high-scoring quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald, sealed their place in the competition with an initial score of 37.
Following a unanimous decision by the judging panel, Jamie and Michelle took their final bow. Soap legend Jamie shared heartfelt words with host Tess Daly, calling his Strictly journey “magic” and expressing gratitude towards the team behind the scenes.
Michelle, holding back tears, praised Jamie, who marked her first celeb partner since she debuted on the show in 2022. “Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week,” she commended, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” she added.
Taking to her social media, Michelle showered Jamie with accolades in a heartfelt post, sharing snaps from their final dance in Strictly’s glamorous ballroom. The pro-dancer penned: “Ah partner, our journey sadly comes to an end… But what a journey it’s been. I meant it when I said that you have been the best first partner I could have wished for! Be proud…because we worked hard and really made the most of the time we had with you working 2 full on jobs at the same time.”
Discussing their challenging week prior to their departure, she revealed: “This past week was your toughest yet with work, we realistically had 2 days to put it all together, and look what we achieved, a beautiful foxtrot which we both enjoyed dancing so much.”
Michelle expressed her deep appreciation for the partnership, saying: “This experience was both of our firsts, and we stuck by each other through the highs and lows and everything in between and that in itself is so special. I want to thank you for your trust in me as a teacher and your commitment every week on that dance floor.
“You ALWAYS gave 100%. Working together felt like hanging out and having fun with your best buddy – and that’s what we’ve become. I’ve gained a brother for life from this experience and that to me is worth more than anything else. You have a pure and sensitive soul, never change.”
She also extended her gratitude to Simone Arena: “@simonearena_official thank you for being by my side throughout and for your support and help whenever I needed it. Love you. I want to thank both mine and Jamie’s family. Your constant support and words of encouragement kept our spirits high and our drive strong xx.”
Michelle concluded with heartfelt thanks to their supporters: “And of course, THANK YOU to everyone out there who supported us and voted for us along our beautiful journey. We were able to enjoy the most magical and joyous 10 weeks on @bbcstrictly thanks to you.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs each weekend on BBC One.