Dance 'journey' is over for Felicity Kendal

The public finally called time on Felicity Kendal's ballroom career last night as she became the latest contestant to be kicked off Strictly Come Dancing.

The Good Life star was given the elbow despite her American Smooth seeing her awarded her highest score of 30 points in the BBC dance show.

The elimination of the 64-year-old marks the end of a tough week as the actress suffered a black eye after walking into her kitchen cupboard in the middle of the night.

Kendal was magnanimous following her dismissal, saying: "I've been on the most extraordinary journey. I couldn't believe that I'd ever come this far. I couldn't believe I would have ever danced this well. I wouldn't have missed a second of it - I'm so happy to be here now."

The actress had been odds-on favourite to be eliminated from the competition after ending up in the bottom two twice.

But her elimination still came as a surprise as the judges had enjoyed her performance as she twirled around the historic setting of Blackpool's Tower Ballroom with partner Vincent Simone.

Kendal's demise meant Ann Widdecombe survived yet again despite another disastrous dancing performance.