Strictly star dealt devastating blow after fans in tears 'He's been robbed!'

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink became the fourth celebrity to leave the show. The latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing left fans complaining after a shock dance-off. During Sunday's show (October 2), the former Chelsea star bid an emotional farewell. The 53-year-old and professional partner Lauren Oakley left the competition after losing the dance-off to Amber Davies and professional Nikita Kuzmin. But while some fans were in uproar, former Strictly professional Brendan Cole delivered his verdict.

The 49-year-old suggested the former professional footballer's American Smooth was "woeful" in a devastating blow. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk on behalf of Sky Vegas, Brendan said he doesn't believe Jimmy was "robbed".

"No, not at all. It was a woeful American Smooth - I can't believe it got the marks it did," he explained. "Jimmy's [Floyd Hasselbaink] been great so far, but that routine wasn't strong."

Brendan continued: "The issue with themed weeks, like Icons Week, is that the theme tends to take over the dance. Jimmy [Floyd Hasselbaink] looked fantastic as Prince - brilliant outfit - but as a American Smooth, it was almost non-existent.

So, I was surprised by the praise and marks he got."

Jimmy and Lauren scored an impressive 30 out of 40 points for their American Smooth but it was not enough to keep them in the competition.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas chose to save Davies and Kuzmin, with Anton Du Beke, who was this week's head judge with the casting vote, adding he would have voted the same way had it been required.

Fans shared their disappointment over Jimmy's exit as one person mused, "I know #strictly is just a silly little dance show but sometimes eliminations hit hard & this is one of them. Jimmy really exceeded expectations - that's a beautiful point to prove. He and Lauren were strong every week & there was so much more to do, I wish we could've seen it."

Another echoed: "Jimmy is what Strictly is meant to be about, a celebrity with little or no professional dancing living in the moment and enjoying the competition. Such a shame Jimmy & Lauren were eliminated this early as they were so good."

A third cried: "Jimmy deserved longer #Strictly," while a fourth added: "I was genuinely excited to see where Jimmy could go on his #Strictly journey. To have it end so prematurely is devastating. I think there was a possibility he could get to QF, SF or even the final. He had so much growth still in him. So angry. Robbed."

Following his exit, Jimmy said: "I have absolutely loved my experience. I can only say thank you very much for letting me have this experience and to my daughters for pushing me to come here and do this.

"I never expected that I would enjoy it this much. The people behind the scenes, from the wardrobe people to the hairdressers to the make-up people, are absolutely magnificent - thank you very much. This experience is going to live with me forever."

He added, "The only thing you can do is dance as best as you can and then it's up to the public. I was actually quite happy to dance again because I wanted to do better than my previous one. So listen, I have had a blast."

Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight for a Halloween special.