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Feltz and Riley survive first Strictly Come Dancing elimination

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Vanessa Feltz and Rachel Riley survived the first elimination on BBC One dance show, Strictly Come Dancing.

The pairs' respective waltz and salsa performances took them to the next round after veteran golfer Tony Jacklin was the first to be eliminated tonight - after losing a dance-off to fellow contestant and fashion designer Julien Macdonald.

Last night, a tearful Ms Feltz was praised for her emotional performance.

The journalist, 51, danced the waltz with partner James Jordan to Whitney Houston’s “Run With You”.

“I'm very pleased. The feeling of it is amazing,” said a visibly moved Ms Feltz.

Ms Feltz, who was supported by her daughter Alegra in the audience, was commended by the contest judges.

Darcey Bussell, the former prima ballerina, encouraged the broadcaster to "cry your eyes out.

"You expressed the emotion, the romance - the audience can feel your emotion."

Fellow judge Len Goodman added: "There was a little story going on."

Ms Feltz, who wore an elegant knee-length baby-blue dress for her dance, received a total 23 out of 40 available points, up four points on last week.

But Rachel Riley’s score was seven marks lower than her dance last week.

Ms Riley, 27, received 20 out of 40 for her salsa performance with partner Pasha Kovalev to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "I thought you were wriggling around like a slug in salt – uncontrolled. I thought the lift was very messy. It was, at times, very very awkward."

"You've got to come out and 'wow' us a bit more," added Mr Goodman.

But Ms Riley, who danced in a short orange beaded dress, was not deterred.

"But I had fun!" she laughed.

Jewish presenter Claudia Winkleman co-hosted the show with Tess Daly, with regular presenter Bruce Forsyth absent due to illness.

Next Saturday night, the remaining 14 celebrities will compete on the themed "Love Week" show.

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