James Cracknell hits back at claims he was ‘furious’ after being kicked off Strictly Come Dancing

James Cracknell has denied he “furiously ranted” after being booted off Strictly Come Dancing last night.

The rower, 47, and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk, 29, missed out on a spot in the third week after losing a dance off against David James and Nadiya Bychkova.

After the programme aired, it was claimed Cracknell “had to be calmed down” after losing the competition – but the sports star has since hit back at the claims.

According to the Sun, a source said: “He was livid at being axed. He was saying things like, ‘It was a massive mistake to do Strictly. I’ve been made to look completely stupid.’”

But James hit back at the report, writing on Instagram: “‪I don’t reply to people’s comments but I’m not gonna let this one go.”

He continued: “[Luba] & I had fun & our best dance but it wasn’t enough. I know I’m no John Travolta so to throw my toys out the pram would be stupid @TheSun @bbcstrictly.”

On Saturday, Cracknell and Mushtuk scored just 13 points for their Jive to Tutti Frutti by Little Richard, while James, 49, and Bychkova, 30, were handed 10 points for their​ Pasodoble to España cañí.

Once the two couples had performed their routines for a second time on Sunday, the judges all opted to save ex-England pro David.

Craig Revel-Horwood said: “Well for me in that dance off one couple improved beyond compare and that couple is the couple I would like to save, David and Nadiya.”

New judge Motsi Mabuse said she felt James’s performance was “stronger” and had “a stronger intention, clearer actions,” before Bruno Tonioli agreed.

Head Judge Shirley Ballas said she would also have chosen to save David and Nadiya. 

With his fate sealed, James shared his thoughts on his brief time on the series, telling Tess Daly: “I’m enjoying it anyway, the luxury of being with someone so good and learning off them.

“I’m a way better dancer than I was two weeks ago. Luba’s been amazing with being so patient with a couple of left feet.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 7.10pm on Saturday.