BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe defends 'non-dancer' Montell Douglas as they miss out on semi-final

Johannes Radebe referenced Montell Douglas being a 'non-dancer' as their Strictly Come Dancing exit was confirmed. The pair became the tenth couple to leave the BBC One dance contest after landing in the dreaded dance-off for the third time in a row.

During Saturday night's (November 30) quarter-final, which was also the show's Musicals Week special, Montell and Johannes delivered an emotion-packed rumba to I’m Here from The Color Purple. Montell appeared to be shedding tears as she finished her routine before joining Tess Daly alongside Johannes for their comments from the judges.

After heading up to speak to co-host Claudia Winkleman, Johannes took a moment before the scores and said: "Let's speak the truth today if you don't mind. My partner has got no ligaments in her ankles. So when I tell you to even achieve half of that, I am beside myself," before giving an excited giggle.

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But during Sunday night's (December 1) results show, Montell and Johannes sadly landed in the bottom two again following the public vote. They were defeated in the dance-off by former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec.

The latter pairing appeared in the dance-off despite scoring the joint second highest with 38 for their Argentine tango to Ex-Wives from Six The Musical during the latest live show, while Montell and Johannes had received 32 out of a possible 40 for their routine.

The couples performed their dances for a second time on Sunday’s results show. After they reprised their performances, the judges unanimously decided to save Tasha and Aljaz, sending Montell and Johannes home just before the semi-final.

When asked by Tess about her professional dance partner Johannes, Montell said: "He [Johannes] has been amazing. Strictly has touched me in ways I never knew possible. I’m an Olympian and a Gladiator, but I have honestly struggled with confidence my whole life and being on the show, with the beautiful crew, the judges, the cast has just been such an honour."

Johannes then went on to say: "I am so proud of you [Montell], because you are a non-dancer. But the one thing that you have done every single week is turn out beautiful dancing. So I want to say to you, thank you for respecting our art form of Ballroom and Latin. The way you handled it was like a true pro. You're my winner.”

Montell added: "I have to say thank you to you [Johannes] because I really have found a friend and a brother in this man. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I hope he’s in my life forever, because we have something very special."

Sunday's results show also featured a phenomenal performance of The Schuyler Sisters from the musical Hamilton and a dazzling group number from the professional dancers to As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard.

The remaining five couples will next take to the dancefloor next week for the competition’s semi-final, where our couples will each perform two dances. Strictly Come Dancing returns live on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 7 December at 1830. The results show will air on Sunday 8 December at 1920 on BBC One and iPlayer.