Paul Merson Eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

Paul Merson, former footballer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has been eliminated from the competition after a dance-off against JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Despite a connection with judge Anton Du Beke, Merson and his partner Karen Hauer were not saved by the judges. Merson expressed satisfaction with his participation, mentioning that he learned to dance and enjoyed every moment, although he acknowledged knee and ankle pain signaling it was time to leave. Judge Craig Revel Horwood expressed his desire to continue his role on the show, praising Merson's improvement and the overall entertainment value of the competition. Bookmakers had accurately predicted Merson's departure, reflecting his declining odds leading up to the elimination.