The CBBC presenter made a series of mistakes during his Viennese Waltz with partner Amy Dowden during Saturday night’s live show, which left him third from bottom of the leaderboard.
Karim Zeroual shed a tear on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing (Photo: BBC)
As Amy then also got upset, she added: “I’m just so proud of him. It’s his birthday next week and more than anything, I want him to experience the magic of Blackpool and dancing there.”
Karim and Amy had to settle for sixth place on the night’s leaderboard, with their routine picking up 30 points.
It was a big fall for Karim, who was sitting pretty at the top last week when his Quickstep earned 39 points.
At the top of this week’s leaderboard was vlogger Saffron Barker and partner AJ Pritchard, whose Waltz picked up 39 points.
At the other end was BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell and Katya Jones, with just 25 points for their Paso Doble.
The couples are all hoping to make it through to next week’s Blackpool special, but one pairing will find themselves eliminated during Sunday night’s results show, airing at 7.15pm on BBC One.
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat. Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave.
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet
Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year. Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet.
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova
Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process.
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy
Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later. Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory.
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler
'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners. Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is.
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup
'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series. They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008.
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan
Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010.
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010. Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating.
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani
Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo?
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace
The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace.
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec
In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy. Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage.
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs.
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.
Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his.
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016.
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones
'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship.
