The Bill star leaves Strictly

Ali Bastian will miss the chance of the final after being voted...

17:41 14 December 2009

Actress Ali Bastian has been voted out of Strictly ahead of next weekend's final.

Bastian and partner Brian Fortuna became the latest celebs to be voted off the dancing show despite getting one of the highest scores from the five judges.

The former Hollyoaker performed well, earning a perfect 50 score for her American Smooth routine despite sustaining a foot sprain injury during rehearsals.

But without the safety net of a dance off, adding even more pressure to the semi-finalists, they lost out in the public vote.

Actor Ricky Whittle – who has been the favourite to win since the early stages of the show – and BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins will battle it out in next week's final. 

On leaving Strictly, 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 and partner Ola Jordan, and Whittle with partner Natalie Lowe will perform four dances each – their highest scoring ballroom dance, their highest scoring latin dance, a ‘No Holds Barred’ Showdance and a Lindy Hop – as they compete for their last chance to win over the public and lift the coveted 2009 Strictly Come Dancing glitterball trophy.