Henson faces 'Strictly' exit

Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson is teed up to get the boot from 'Strictly Come Dancing' after finishing bottom of the semi-final leaderboard tonight.

The judges told the 28-year-old he should be proud of the improvements he has made during the show but he will have to rely on the public vote to save him if he wants to make next week's final.

Henson scored 31 for his Viennese waltz with dance partner Katya Virshilas, taking his total score after two nights of dancing to just 59 out of a possible 85.

But head judge Len Goodman said: "You've been the underdog over and over. You're my hero. You've come back strong."

And Bruno Tonioli said: "Very elegant. Very smooth. There were a few little issues but the improvement from week one is great. Regardless what happens you should be proud."

Speaking afterwards, Henson said: "I'm still fighting to the end. Let's see what happens. I want that glitter ball.

"It's unbelievable how nervous I get. It's been a hell of an experience."

He tweeted to fans: "It was such a spinney dance but I really enjoyed it."

The other boys are also at risk in tomorrow night's double elimination, with 'EastEnders' actor Scott Maslen and 'Countryfile' presenter Matt Baker both finishing on a total of 70 points.

Baker made up for a disappointing performance last night with a tango which was "cooking on gas", scoring 38.

Sporting fresh stubble and a pin-striped suit he led his partner Aliona Vilani across the floor with "military precision".

Tonioli said: "Strong. Powerful. A hint of arrogance. He was like a South American dictator. You were moving her about beautifully."

And Craig Revel Horwood said: "You danced that with military precision. It was controlled. It was full of purpose."

Goodman said: "You were cooking with gas. You've come out on fire. I loved it."

Maslen dressed as a sailor to dance the Charleston with his partner Natalie Lowe.

Judge Alicia Dixon described it as "good old fashioned entertainment" and even Revel Horwood said "the whole thing was rather cute, quirky and I rather enjoyed it". Maslen scored 35.

Pamela Stephenson, who described herself as a "granny moving around the floor", scored a "fabulous" 40 for her theatrical quick step with dance partner James Jordon.

Dixon said: "Your passion for dance lights up the room. You're an inspiration to so many women."

Tonioli added: "Pamela the Broadway babe. I loved the theatrical beginning, the seamless flow into a beautiful correct quick step. It was pure cinematic joy."

And the hard-to-please Revel Horwood said: "One word darling, three syllables, starts with F, fab-u-lous."

With a total of 78, Stephenson is one place behind the overall leader, ex-EastEnders actress and model Kara Tointon whose rumba with Artem Chigvintsev was "almost perfect".

Dixon said: "It's not often a couple comes out and dances and actually moves me emotionally. Together you are mesmerising. For it was pure magic."

Tonioli said: "Ravishing. A goddess of love. The quality of your dancing tonight was of a standard that is professional."

Only Revel Horwood held back from awarding a 10, meaning Tointon finished with a total of 83 points.

Two couples will be eliminated in tomorrow's results show with the successful three going through to next week's final.