The actor from Guisborough failed to get the judge's vote after competing in his fourth successive dance-off

The 48-year-old actor and writer, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, had been saved by judges on the show for three successive weeks after finding himself in the dance-off.

But his luck finally run out on Sunday evening when he lost to fellow contestant Ashley Taylor Dawson in his fourth dance-off.

The 48-year-old, who was partnered by Iveta Lukosiute, previously tore the cartilage in his knee performing a foxtrot and admitted it was the “right time” for him to go.

He also revealed he had lost about three stone as a result of his intensive training for the show and said he was looking forward to taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing tour which takes place next year.

Radio Tees presenter Alastair Brownlee said on social networking site Twitter that Benton had been “terrific and a great ambassador for our region”.

There is some consolation for the actor as he is due to collect an honorary degree from Teesside University at an official ceremony later this week.