The widow of magician Paul Daniels, was plunged into her first winner-saves-all performance during a dramatic climax to the show’s annual visit to Blackpool.
Even dressing up as Spice Girl Geri Halliwell in a tiny Union Jack dress could not save her from a shock showdown with Jonnie Peacock.
Finishing in the bottom two meant Debbie has now been overtaken by former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke as the new favourite to win the series.
Last night viewers saw Paralympian hero Jonnie, 24, and his professional partner Oti Mabuse axed from the competition as Debbie and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice limped through to next week.
All four of the judges decided to save Debbie, who danced a Samba to a Spice Girls medley, with Bruno Tonioli saying: “I have to save the couple who I think overall is much stronger and for that reason I save Debbie and Giovanni.”
Alexandra, 29, who was accused of faking tears of joy inside the world famous Tower Ballroom, is now the 2-1 favourite to lift the glitter ball trophy next month with Debbie pushed out to 9-4.
Despite being the oldest contestant this year, Debbie, 59, has wowed with a string of dazzling displays that have defi ed her age and sparked rumours of a romance with Giovanni, 27.
Their red-hot routines have included a sultry tango which scored a perfect 40.
But she said talk of her bagging a toy boy, as well as the Strictly title, was wide of the mark.
“Giovanni is 30 years younger then me but it’s absolutely great people think he fancies me,” she said.
“People see us dancing these sexy routines and assume something must be going on. The truth is we really like each other but it isn’t a love affair.
“We love each other, but we are not in love with each other. “It’s just one of those very special friendships that come along rarely but I am loving every minute of his company and being on the show.”
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