'I am just so glad I did it': Anita Dobson leaves Strictly Come Dancing with no regrets

By Lucy Buckland

Last updated at 8:33 PM on 27th November 2011

She said he was her knight in shining armour but Brendan Cole could have sealed Anita Dobson's fate as she became the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

In the ninth week of the show the former EastEnders actress, 62, was in the bottom two with Holly Valance with partner Artem Chigvintsev.

It was the first week Anita had danced with Cole after her original partner Robin Windsor pulled out with a foot infection.

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'An inspiration': The judges hailed Anita Dobson as a 'wonderful dancer' as she left the show

The couple were second from the bottom on the leader board yesterday after their Cha Cha Cha to 'Uptown Girls' from Billy Joel.

As it was announced both couples were in the bottom two, former Neighbours star Holly looked crushed.

Judge Bruno Toniol said: 'Bitterly disappointed to see Holly in the bottom two. She was sexy, she was sassy. She delivered. What more could she do?'

Moment of truth: Holly Valance, and partner Artem Chigvinstev with Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole wait to hear their fate

Did Brendan seal her fate? Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole dance the Cha Cha Cha to Uptown Girl by Billy Joel yesterday

Last dance: Anita Dobson says her goodbyes to her co-stars

And although the judges commended Anita for adapting to a new partner Alesha Dixon admitted it must have been little difficult but commended the actress for her commitment.

She said: 'It must be unsettling to change dancers but Anita is a great dancer. Anita is an inspiration she is adorable.'

As it was announced Anita was the latest celebrity to leave her former partner Robin came on the phone.

Lucky: Holly Valance and partner Artem Chigvintsev were in the bottom two again but were saved from leaving the show

Tension: Both couples had faced the bottom two before but said as the weeks went on it was more difficult top cope with the pressure

Stunning: All the judges felt Holly's Foxtrot should have been enough to keep her out of the bottom two

Robin said: 'You have been incredible, I am so sorry I couldn't be there for you. It's been a pleasure to work with you. You have been one of the most enthusiastic, hardworking people I have ever met.'

As the couple took to the floor the audience stood up to commend Anita's efforts in the competition.

The actress, who played Angie Watts in EastEnders, said she has no regrets about doing the show.

Great fun: Holly Valance told Claudia Winkleman she had had great fun so far on the show and thought she had performed well

Speaking to presenter Claudia Winkleman on the show she said: 'I have had nothing but great fun. Of course I would be sad [if I left] but I am just glad I did it.'

Next week the theme is Film and dancer Chelsee Healey let slip her and partner Pasha Kovale had picked Shrek as their movie of choice.