The former JLS star has been one of the front runners of the show, but Shirley Ballas made the controversial decision to get rid of Aston and Janette in favour of Mollie and AJ.
ASTON Merrygold has become the shock latest elimination from Strictly Come Dancing - in a controversial decision made by head judge Shirley Ballas.
The former JLS star has been a constant favourite, however was put up against Saturdays singer Mollie King in the dance-off in week seven of the competition.
The results show proved to be an emotional one for the competitors and judges alike as the decision came down to Shirley's decision alone.
As each judge was told to make their choice, each declared that they felt that NEITHER couple should've ended up in the bottom two.
“I want you both to stay. If it was up to me I would keep you both,” said Bruno. “But one couple really transformed the performance on Saturday night - Aston and Janette.”
Shirley was given the deciding vote after Bruno Tonioli and Darcy Bussell chose to save Aston, while Craig Revel Horwood opted to keep Mollie and AJ in the competition.
Despite Mollie appearing in the bottom two for the second week in a row, Shirley decided to keep them for one more week and sent Aston home.
After their fate was sealed, an emotional Janette Manrara burst into tears as she told Tess Daly: "I just have to say honestly, I don’t think I’m ever going to have the opportunity to dance with someone like you again.
"Someone who is so talented, so lovely and such a good friend"
Aston also praised his partner and his time on the show, and said: "I’ve had friends who have done the show before and they’ve gone ‘you’re going to have the most amount of fun from start to finish whatever it is’ and honestly they weren’t lying!
"Everything, from this lady to every single person in here, these four judges, yourself, Claudia, all you amazing lot up there that I get to see and spend so much time with.
"I’ve made some amazing friends and honestly I’ve had the best time, it’s been amazing.”
The pair scored only 27 points on Saturday after performing Vienesse Waltz inspired by the Jackson 5.
However, after flying high throughout the competition, the pair met their first stumble and didn’t impress the judges as much as they’d hoped.
Shirley was the first to slam the pair, and said: “Not your best dance for me. Generally a Vienesse Waltz needs to be a bit flatter for me. But a good try.”
“It hasn’t quite found its way to Vienna,” said Bruno. “We all take risks, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. It didn’t work for me.”
“It lacked any form of grace, any form of elegance,” said Craig, who agreed with the others and added: “Not everything always works out.”
“You’re an incredibly confident performer,” said Darcy. “When you’re in hold, your energy dies.”
On Sunday night's show, the professionals opened the show with a tribute to the late music icon, Prince - performing a routine to his songs including Let's Go Crazy and Purple Rain.
While Aston was clearly gutted to be leaving the show, the elimination comes with one silver lining after revealing that he was prepared to leave the dancefloor mid-song if his girlfriend went into early labour.
Speaking to he said: “If I got to the final it would be amazing, it would be great, but what if suddenly her waters broke?”
“If that happens then I’m not going to finish the dance. I’ll be straight out, grab the bag, let’s go. I’m prepared.”
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