91Èȱ¬

After performing in two couples and solo routines each in the semi-final show, viewer votes left Mandy & Lizzie and Alastair & Robbie having to "dance for their lives" in solos in front of the judges for their places in the grand final of 91Èȱ¬ One's So You Think You Can Dance.

The four gave their all in the final 30 seconds to save their space in the competition and judges chose to eliminate Mandy and Alastair, sending Lizzie and Robbie through to next week's finale.

Tommy Franzen and Charlie Bruce progressed straight through to next week's final on viewers votes.

Of the girl's final dance, Nigel Lythgoe said: "Girls, we are unanimous in our decision this evening. We are also unanimous in saying how delighted we are in even seeing both of you in our top three dancers. You should know, the pair of you, how wonderful you have been across the series and we respect you as dancers. Congratulations."

"Lizzie we have seen not so much your technique as your personality grow across this series. You're very shy even though you're a performer and to see that personality start to come out now, I'm a little sorry it hasn't been before this. But you have never been here in the bottom two and you find yourself here in the most important week of this series.

"Mandy you said all the hard work would be worthwhile if you get to the grand final. All the hard work has been worthwhile, but let me say I am ever so sorry you haven't made the grand final this year."

Of the boy's final dance, Nigel said: "Gentlemen we are again unanimous with our decision this evening. We are also unanimous in saying the pair of you are inspirational to guys out there thinking whether they should start dancing or not. Both of you are wonderful ambassadors for the world of dance.

"Alastair, how on earth you got into ballet I'll never know. I love the fact you still go down the pub with your mates... if you got a body like that from drinking beer, people would be drinking more beer! You have been brilliant in this series, you have been incredible. Tonight, though, for the first time I think I have seen someone dancing for their life and that was Robbie, and he overwhelmed you with his performance. He really looked like he was dancing for his life, and I am sorry but you won't be staying with us."

After her elimination Mandy said: "Before I start crying I just want to thank everybody who has helped me – I'm the blubbering American, I'm sorry. Everybody who has helped me get this far. Everybody who dances, keep dancing. It's worth it."

After his elimination Alastair said, on what has made his experience: "These people, these guys I've been working with – thank you everyone."

The results show had a performance from Leona Lewis, and a group dance featuring all six finalists to Big Spender choreographed by Karen Bruce.

Next week the remaining four dancers will be performing to win the competition, take home the £100,000 cash prize, get the chance to dance in Hollywood, and be named Britain's Favourite Dancer. The grand final guest performer will be Robbie Williams.

SM4