If there was an award for effort or entertainment, she would have won it hands down but at this stage of the dance competition, it’s all about technique.
And Lisa Riley’s technique unfortunately let her down this weekend as the former Emmerdale star waved goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing yesterday evening.
The actress and her dance partner Robin Windsor found themselves in the bottom two against favourite Denise Van Outen and James Jordan.
Despite getting a standing ovation from the judges for their tango, Len Goodman and co voted unanimously in favour of Denise and James thus sending Lisa and Robin home.
Lisa and Robin seemed to have a great relationship on the show.
The pair, who narrowly missed out on the final after weeks of energetic performances, were visibly upset about going out but held it together to pay tribute to one another.
Lisa said: “It’s been the best time of my entire life, I can’t thank you enough. From the costume to the makeup, everybody backstage is just beyond belief, and all the judges. I’ve had the time of my life. And one person has made that and that’s Robin Windsor. He has just been amazing.”
In reply, Robin said: “I just want to say from day one this whole experience this year has been absolutely amazing, and Lisa has come out and shown you don’t have to be a certain size to dance, and she’s inspired so many people around the country.”
Both the actress and her dance partner were emotional about leaving.
Denise and James will join Kimberley Walsh, Dani Harmer and Louis Smith with their respective dance partners in the final next weekend.
And while we might not get to see one of the girls lifting the boys or spinning around on the floor a la Lisa, that line-up promises to be quite the spectacle.
