You make an excellent point and one worth reiterating

Totally agree Tim is a class act. Plaudits to Mark as well - when he and Karen were being interviewed by Claudia prior to the dance-off Mark said that if he did go out tonight that he would have gone out to one of the nicest men he's ever met. Thought that was a lovely thing to say and a nice tribute to Tim.

That was a very touching moment. Natalie was genuinely surprised, and naturally thought it was just one of the usual ITT set-ups. Tim was anxious to put her right, saying..no, I found it myself and paid for it with my own money ! Lovely stuff.

I've spoken to a couple who went on Bargaiin Hunt and they confirmed that Tim is one of the nicest people they've ever met. He will go the extra mile to put guests at their ease and nothing's too much trouble to make their day a memorable one.

Thought it was a beautiful goodbye on all counts. Tim and Natalie's goodbye dance reminded me of the wedding dance at the end of Hitch, with all the other couples surrounding them and cheering them on rather than crowding in like they normally do.
Lovely speech from a lovely man, the part about Strictly making him 'a better person' had us welling up

Classy exit, obviously a nice man. Talking to my Mum today and she had heard or read somewhere that he is donating his fee to charity, anyone else heard this?

Yes, his speech was perfect, and his final dance sent him out with a bang, not a whimper. Very fitting. Lovely bloke.

I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me. He is the most charming, delightful and lovely man and from ITT tonight it's clear that Natalie absolutely loves him. He will be much missed on the show, no doubt at all about that.

Shame on ITT though for cutting off Tim & Natalie switching off their light to officially end their time on the show! I know things run over schedule but that was rather insulting I thought.

Ahem - if it's a consolisation then Tim's done himself no harm career-wise and Nat's chances of getting a contender next year have increased - .I really miss seeing what she can do

I've got to add to the number of posters who didn't initially warm to Natalie, but have been won over by her. I admit I was nearly in tears listening to Tim's gracious words towards her and the Strictly family. Sums up why I love the show so much

What a lovely thread. I reiterate everyone's comments (except one or two cynics, but hey, if we all agreed on everything it wouldn't be a discussion forum!). What I loved most about Tim's speech was that there wasn't a "journey", "rollercoaster" or worst of all "amazin' " in sight - or should that be earshot?! Kudos to Tim and Nat!

Lovely to see such glowing words written about a true gentleman, especially as I wasn't able to watch SCD this weekend or ITT on Monday. I've met and observed Tim and as most people have so rightly gauged he is a genuinely kind and gracious person.

I wonder if they prepare a final dance, particularly the ones leaving in the first few weeks when they might have no prior experience and have only done a couple of dances.

Normally they just do a shuffle, but Tim obviously decided he was totally going to enjoy his last time on the dance floor and do his own thing, much to the appreciation of the rest of the contestants.

I agree 100% with all the posters who thought Tim was a complete gent following his voting off from the show. He took the limited time available to thank EVERYONE involved in making the series and to say how happy he had been as an over the hill, overweight (not imo!) man to get the chance to take part.

It was sincere and heartfelt without being cheesy.

And his wild 'Dad dancing' at the end was glorious - and let's not forget the waltz he performed in week 2 which was a delight.

Natalie seemed to really love working with him and she is a superb teacher. Looking forward to seeing her taking part in the pro routines and group dances in the coming weeks.

I agree it was such a shame and a little rude IMO.

Yes, quite agree (she's got a lovely soft voice). I think a number of overseas pro-dancers new to the program come with big ideas and ambitions, and come across initially as being a bit too competitive - which isn't very British, of course! Natalie was probably one, and I think it would apply to Karen and Janette too. But give them a year, and they blossom. Maybe it's the London air? Or is it the Strictly camaraderie?

Somehow I struggle to see that last dance of Tim's, delightful as it was, as prepared. If it was I don't think Natalie was party to the preparations. He did his thing and in some ways it could end up being the dance of the series for me. He expressed himself and at a basic level I think that is what dance is about - a human being conveying their feelings. It was joyous.


I was just the same . Initially I found Natalie brash and uber competitive. It felt like it was about her need to win. I wasn't at all keen. Now she is my favourite.