BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson makes 'could have done better' brutal swipe

Strictly Come Dancing's Paul Merson was the fourth celebrity to leave the competition after facing JLS star JB Gill in the dance-off

Strictly Come Dancing bid farewell to its fourth celebrity in a nail-biting dance-off. JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden faced off against Paul Merson and Karen Hauer, leaving fans stunned by the outcome.

The judges unanimously chose to save JLS's JB, resulting in ex-footballer Paul's departure from the show. Upon his exit, Paul expressed his gratitude, saying: "It's been good, it's been really good. Anybody I talk to I'd say you've got to go on this show. There's a Tottenham fan over there...even he's nice."

His dance partner Karen praised him, stating: "Every week you showed up you improved, you're what Strictly is all about."

However, when Tess Daly asked Paul for his thoughts on Karen, he quipped with a hint of jest: "Could of done better in the last dance if I'm being honest."

He quickly followed up with praise: "No she's been amazing. Couldn't have asked for a better coach.", reports Birmingham Live.

Paul told the audience that he felt like a winner, having gone from a non-dancer to someone who can now 'half dance'.

All four judges voted Paul off after noting issues with his timing during the performance. Judge Motsi Mabuse commented: "JB made quite a few mistakes but he kept up with the music...Paul...it was lots of fun and joy but you just didn't keep to the music."

Anton addressed the pairs with a candid critique: "With all due respect to both couples, this wasn't great. It shouldn't have been this close, it should have been a much easier decision to make. JB not your best night...Paul if you were clean I would have saved you, but you weren't clean."

Despite Paul already being eliminated from the competition, Shirley also confirmed she would have chosen to save JB.