Max George has become the third celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. 

The Wanted singer and his partner Dianne Buswell were booted off the BBC ballroom competition during Sunday night’s results show. 

The couple had to face EastEnders star Maisie Smith and her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez in this week’s dance-off. 

Max had to reprise his American Smooth routine, which netted him just 20 points out of 30 on Saturday night, and left him second from bottom at the leaderboard. 

While Maisie had fared better with the judges – scoring 24 for her Cha Cha Cha – she didn’t prove as popular with the voting public, landing in the bottom two for the first time. 

After both couples had performed again both Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke – who was standing in for regular judge Motsi Mabuse this week while she self isolates – voted to keep Maisie and Gorka in the competition. 

Head judge Shirley Ballas said she would have also voted to save the couple.

Following the result, Max said:  “I’ve loved it. It’s all down to Dianne, she’s been literally amazing. For me to get through 90 seconds of a dance for four weeks now is a credit to her, she’s just unbelievable. I’ve got to say, all these guys over here are the nicest group of people ever. I love you all!”

Dianne added: “I think Max has done an absolutely amazing job. He has done four incredible dances and I know how nervous you get, but you’ve come out here very week. I know you always say you want to do me proud and oh my goodness you’ve done me more than proud – so well done.

“I also want to say thank you to the judges, Anton you were incredible tonight. Thank you so much.” 

Max had also been responsible for a rather sweary moment during Saturday’s show, when he dropped the F-bomb after completing his routine, prompting an apology from host Claudia Winkleman. 

Eight couples now remain in the competition.  

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 7.15pm on BBC One.