Emotional Strictly star Jaime Winstone admits dance-off was 'horrific' on It Takes Two
Jaime was in the first dance-off against Chris AppletonJaime Winstone fought back tears while describing Strictly Come Dancing’s first dance-off as a deeply upsetting experience.
Speaking on It Takes Two on Tuesday evening, the actress explained how the bottom-two result stirred old insecurities and school-day memories.
She discussed the result beside professional partner Carlos Gu, who was also disappointed by their placing.
The couple survived, with Chris Appleton becoming the first celebrity eliminated after losing the dance-off to Jaime.
Jaime Winstone speaks about Strictly dance-off on It Takes Two
During her conversation with host Ellie Taylor, Jaime connected the tense wait with feelings of exclusion from childhood.
“It has been really emotional,” she said, tearfully. Jaime then explained how the experience could return someone to the mindset of a child struggling to belong.
She said “you do go back to that child in school going ‘I don’t fit in'”.
She added that the qualities which make someone feel different can also become their greatest strengths.
Jaime took deep breaths and clutched Carlos’s hand while listening to his assessment of her progress.
She admitted she was “not used to being so vulnerable on camera” during the competition.
The uncertainty before her fate was revealed had created a “horrific feeling”, she said.
Carlos Gu shares disappointment after Strictly dance-off
Carlos said he felt “heartbroken” for his partner after entering his first dance-off in three years.
He believed the outcome was “unfair” because Jaime had invested so much in their routine.
Still, his focus quickly turned towards the progress she had made across the previous two days.
As he praised that improvement, Jaime listened beside him and struggled to contain her emotions.
The interview followed similar comments from Chris, who discussed feeling as vulnerable as a child at school.
His description resonated with Jaime, prompting her to revisit her own memories during the discussion.
After being the first celebrity to leave Strictly last weekend, Chris said on Instagram: “I’m still terrified of dancing. Just not when I’m with Amy [Dowden].
“Amy, you help me believe in myself when I couldn’t and get out there and do it anyway! That means more than you know.”
When Strictly Come Dancing continues
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Jaime and Carlos will return to the competition after surviving the series’ opening elimination.
Their next performance follows a week marked by vulnerability, disappointment and Jaime’s determination to recover.
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.15pm on BBC One on Saturday October 10, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
