Strictly Come Dancing's Ross King bids emotional farewell and heads home to LA after show exit
The Scottish presenter will be continuing to watch Strictly 'from the pool'Ross King has bid an emotional farewell to his Strictly Come Dancing fans and co-stars as he prepares to head home to Los Angeles.
The Scottish showbiz presenter, 63, is the latest celebrity to leave Strictly following a tense dance-off on Sunday night.
Ross and his 34-year-old partner, Jowita Pryzstal, were up against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, 46, and her dance partner, Julian Callion. 30.
But their Thunderbirds-inspired Paso Doble was not enough to save Ross and Jowitz and they were sent packing by the judges.
Ross has now shared an emotional message with fans online, thanking his co-stars and fans for their support. He has been met with a flurry of gushing goodbye messages, including a very sweet one from Strictly host, Tess Daly.
Strictly Come Dancing: Ross King leaves
Alongside a series of backstage snaps taken during Movie Night, Ross said: “There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me – the Strictly cast and crew, friends, family, my wonderful dance partner Jowita, and most importantly, to the fans.
“You kept me inspired with your kind words and kept me in the competition with your votes. I hope like me, you’ve been inspired to try something new and as always, keep dancing!”
Ross has been swamped with messages in return. Tess told him: “Adored by the entire team you will be SO MISSED Ross.” She added two red heart emojis to her post.
Vicky Pattison added: “Love you so much @therossking I’m going to miss you so much too.” And pro dancer, Karen Hauer, said: “You are simply the best.”
Ross has also received praise from his team at ITV’s Lorraine – the show he works on. The Lorraine account posted: “We are so proud of you!”
Ross King’s tears for Jowita
Ross struggled to hold back tears after learning he and Jowita were going home on Sunday night. As he paid tribute to his pro dancer Jowita, his voice cracked with emotion.
“I want to thank a very special lady who has been with me through it all,” he told Tess. “And she has been absolutely everything. She’s been a mentor, a teacher, a carer. She’s been absolutely everything.”
Ross added: “I could not have wished for a better partner and I could not have wished for a better show. And thank you, judges, for all your remarks.”
Jowita has since paid a touching tribute to Ross on her Instagram account. She said: “Thank you so much @therossking for all your hard work, commitment, and for every laugh and tear we shared along the way. I hope when you look back, you feel proud of what we’ve done, because I certainly am.
“I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you, and I hope you’ll keep on dancing (and not just the slosh).”
Ross returns to Los Angeles
Ross has confirmed he will be heading home to Los Angeles now he has left Strictly Come Dancing. The star has vowed to keep watching the BBC show – but he’ll be doing it from Hollywood.
Ross told his colleague Lorraine Kelly on ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ll be watching by the pool in La La Land.”
But fans need not despair, Ross also revealed he will be back in the UK this Christmas. He will be starring as Buttons in the pantomime Cinderella in Southend, Essex.
