MIKE Bushell was finally given the boot from Strictly Come Dancing after confiding in pals he was desperate to leave.

The BBC sports host, 53, was voted off by judges after finishing in the bottom two for the third week running, losing out to US star Michelle Visage.

But despite enjoying his time with partner Katya Jones, Mike was beginning to struggle with the pressures of the show and was relieved his journey was over.

A pal said: “There’s no doubt Mike loves Strictly and working with Katya but he barely has anything left in the tank.

“It’s a fast-paced show which needs 100 per cent commitment and it was all starting to get a bit much.

“Going on for any longer was beginning to look a touch daunting as it’s so mentally and physically draining.

“So leaving at this stage was a relief. He never thought he’d get this far.”

As well as the intense training, Mike also had to put up with abuse on social media – more than any other contestants in this year’s series.

He received flak for remaining in the competition while other, seemingly more talented celebrity dancers including Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley and Viscountess Emma Weymouth lost out in dance offs against him.

His own wife Emily was forced to defend him on social media after admitting the level of abuse he received was “shocking”.

Mike and Katya finished bottom of the leaderboard in Saturday’s show, scoring 25 out of 40 for their paso doble.

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