Mandy and Alastair voted off 'SYTYCD'

Mandy Montanez and Alastair Postlethwaite have become the ninth and tenth contestants to be voted off So You Think You Can Dance.

The duo found themselves in the dance-off with Lizzie Gough and Robbie White and had to convince the judges to save them with a solo performance.

After all four contestants had danced for the panel, judges Nigel Lythgoe, Arlene Phillips, Louise Redknapp and Sisco Gomez had to send home one male and one female.

Beginning with the women, Lythgoe revealed that the judges had been unanimous but added that both dancers had been "wonderful".

"Mandy, you said all the hard work would be worthwhile if you get through to the finale," he said. "The hard work has been worthwhile no matter what happens. And let me say, I'm ever so sorry you have not made the finale."

Montanez began crying and apologised for being a "blubbing American", adding: "I want to thank everybody who has helped me get this far. And everyone who dances, keep dancing, it's worth it."

Moving on to the men, Lythgoe said that the judges had been unanimous again and described the pair as an "inspiration" to young male dancers.

"We overdramatise things in TV and say people are dancing for their life," he continued. "Well, they're not, they're dancing to stay on this programme. But for the first time I've seen someone dancing for their life and that was Robbie. That looked like he was dancing for his life.

"He overwhelmed you, Alastair, and I'm so sorry but you will not be staying with us and going into the finale."

Gough and White will now join Charlie Bruce and Tommy Franzén in the final of So You Think You Can Dance, which starts next Saturday at 7.45pm on BBC One.