Nevertheless the judges decided to save the Countdown co-presenter on Sunday's results show.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am choosing to save the couple that simply danced the best on the night, Rachel and Pasha."
"I have to go for content, skill and storytelling," added Bruno Tonioli. "My favourite dance was from Rachel and Pasha."
Ms Riley, who has been a favourite to win the show's 11th series, told Twitter followers: "The dance-off has to be the scariest part of the whole experience, need a good lie down in a dark room now!"