Emma Bunton Gets Booted From Strictly

Three couples became two as Emma Bunton and partner Darren Bennett were voted out of the competition during last Saturday night’s show, leaving Mark Ramprakash and partner Karen Hardy together with Matt Dawson and Lilia Kopylova with a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final on BBC One.

The two sportsmen will now battle it out to win the coveted title of Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2006.

Emma Bunton didn't get what she really, really wanted tonight on Saturday as she was booted off the show - even though she came second in the competition scoring a total of 69 out of 80.

Emma and partner Darren Bennett performed the Salsa and the Argentine Tango.

Of Emma and Darren's Salsa the judges said:

Craig: "I just wanted to comment on some improvement. I don't think anyone has said how much you've improved. You're using the floor much better. I would have liked to see you dance more together."

And Arlene: "Well, I disagree with Bruno, although great to see your hips move, you were too far apart . . . . I wanted to see them more together. I didn't see that."

Emma commented: "To be the last female in the competition is astounding. I am so proud.

"Darren has been like my brother. We've become so close. I can't imagine not having Darren in my life now.

"Doing this show has taught me confidence and not to worry about every little thing."

All the couples performed a dance they had not done before as well as the Argentine Tango – which was new to both the professionals and the celebrities.

Mark and Karen impressed the judges with their Argentine Tango scoring an amazing 39 out of 40, which coupled with their Quickstep gave them a total of 73 out of 80.

Sir Cliff Richard performed live on the show with a special dance performance by Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace.

Next week the finalists will perform a show dance, their best ballroom and best Latin dances of the series.

And all of the celebrities and dancers from the series will return to perform on the final night - Saturday 23 December.

Strictly Come Dancing has also been awarded a Critics' Circle National Dance Award - The Patron's Award. It is given to the individual or organisation that has significantly furthered the cause of dance in the UK.

The award was presented to hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly and the show's producer Sam Donnelley by legendary ballerina Dame Beryl Grey, patron of the National Dance Awards.

On Saturday evening there were more than 2 million phone votes.

Visit BBC.co.uk/strictlycomedancing to find out more.