Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Television presenter Chris Hollins performed like a "sex starved fiend" to win through to the Strictly Come Dancing final.
A full set of 10s could not save actress Ali Bastian who said it was "devastating" to be leaving the show.
Hollins will face actor Ricky Whittle in next week's showdown.
Bastian said: "It's devastating but at the same time I feel like we're going out on a tremendous high.
"It's been an incredible experience and I've loved every moment of it."
Hollins, a BBC breakfast TV presenter, has been the surprise package of the series with viewers warming to the determination he has shown in the face of limited natural ability.
By his own admission his facial expression looks more constipated than romantic. But before the semi-final he said he had set his heart on surprising his doubters and making the final.
Bastian's second dance, an American Smooth, earned a kiss on the mouth from her dance partner Brian Fortuna, prompting presenter Bruce Forsyth to quip: "That was a real kiss at the end there, is that allowed?"
Whittle responded in style with an Argentine tango that earned a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd.
Earlier Hollins performed a raunchy rumba which earned a mixed response from the judges. Bruno Tonioli said: "You went for it like a sex starved fiend. You made a meal of her." But Revel Horwood said there was "no real improvement from week one".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments