He was voted out of the competition just shy of the semi-finals. And didn’t he go out with a bang?
Dancing the samba to Frankie Valli’s Oh What a Night, the TV judge brought the Rio carnival to Elstree with enough chest shimmies to make a courtroom blush. Unmitigated joy was etched across his face.
The judges praised his sense of fun and energetic hip action, with Craig Revel Horwood commenting that his “bottom was dancing for Brazil”, which can only be a good thing.
Unfortunately, with only five couples left in the competition, every fault was pronounced, and the judge’s “flat-footedness” sent him to the bottom of the leaderboard. It was hardly a surprise when he finished in the bottom two, fated to dance again against sports presenter Ore Aduba.
By then, it was clear the writing was on the wall for Judge Rinder and his professional partner, Oksana Platero. After all, it was no secret he was the least technically accomplished celebrity left. A unanimous vote in Ore’s favour inevitably followed.
His trouble was that the standards of talent have been unparalleled this year.
Actor Danny Mac is indistinguishable from the male professional dancers in terms of his prowess and ability, while singer Louise Redknapp seems to be heading for glory herself with natural flair and daring routines.
Judge Rinder brought immeasurable entertainment with his surprisingly gymnastic strength and flexibility, earnest tributes to his grandparents, and, of course, his gaping facial expressions.
He thanked the judges for their “authenticity and enthusiasm”, adding: “I know how difficult it is to be a judge.”
He credited Oksana for turning him “from someone who could barely walk to music, with no experience at all, into a person with a passion and a love for dance. You are never too old to try something new.”
Judge Rinder leaves the stage with a spring in his step and a well-deserved sense of achievement. He may have come fifth, but he is certainly the community’s champion.
