Strictly’s Nigel Harman confirmed he had been forced to leave the glitzy BBC show for ‘medical reasons’ just hours before the live show on Saturday.
The Downton Abbey actor, 50, later appeared in the studio and revealed he had hospitalised after suffering a rib injury – forcing him and partner Katya Jones, 34, to bow out of the competition.
Nigel’s last minute exit threw the show into chaos forcing the usual dance off and elimination to be scrapped.
Leaving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly to explain to audiences how the series would deal with the fall out ahead of judging the latest performances.
Speaking during Saturday’s show Tess said how devastated they were to lose Nigel, before her co-host confirmed there would be no public vote or elimination.
Strictly’s Nigel Harman confirmed he had been forced to leave the glitzy BBC show for ‘medical reasons’ just hours before the live show on Saturday (pictured with pro partner Katya Jones)
Leaving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly to explain to audiences how the series would deal with the fall out ahead of judging the latest performances
Claudia explained: ‘The judges will still be scoring and those scores will be carried over. You’ll be able to vote as usual next week.’
Saturday saw Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin score full marks with 40 for their Pasa Doble to Backstage Romance from Moulin Rogue The Musical.
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola’s quickstep was second with 36, as they performed to Belle from Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell struggled with the Salsa as they strutted their stuff to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, finding themsleves with a disappointing score of 34.
At the bottom of the leaderboard was Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe with 33 points, after dancing the Foxtort to Wicked’s Good.
Nigel and Katya both appeared on the show where the former EastEnders star told how he hurt his rib during a jump in rehearsals.
He said: ‘I was about to be caught by some very handsome men but when I landed, I’ve done something to my rib. I’m a little high on painkillers.’
Asked by host Claudia Winkleman if he had enjoyed his time on the show, Nigel said: ‘Oh I’ve loved it, I’ve loved it. This hasn’t really sunk in.
Nigel’s last minute exit threw the show into chaos forcing the usual dance off and elimination to be scrapped (Ellie and Vito pictured)
Leaving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly to explain to audiences how the series would deal with the fall out ahead of judging the latest performances (Bobby and Dianne pictured)
Claudia explained: ‘The judges will still be scoring and those scores will be carried over. You’ll be able to vote as usual next week.’ (L-R) Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
‘When I was watching everyone coming down the stairs, it was real that I’m not part of it anymore.’
Katya was full of praise for Nigel’s hard work on the show and looked emotional at the thought of them no longer getting to perform together.
She said: ‘I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor.
‘I know the reasons he did this were for your daughter and your parents and I know your parents will be very proud of you. I hope you’ve got something out of this that you will cherish forever in your broken rib.’
Nigel replied: ‘The only reason I’m standing here is because of all the work you’ve put in. You challenge me, you push me, you support me. Most of all, you’re just part of me now.’ Becoming emotional, he added: ‘I can’t even look at you!’
He and Katya were due to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins as part of the programme’s ‘musicals week.’
Nigel and Katya both appeared on the show where the former EastEnders star told how he hurt his rib during a jump in rehearsals
He said: ‘I was about to be caught by some very handsome men but when I landed, I’ve done something to my rib. I’m a little high on painkillers’
Nigel’s exit from the show comes a week after ‘steamy’ photographs emerged of him and Katya practising their moves of their steamy Rumba routine at a North London studio.
‘When I was watching everyone coming down the stairs, it was real that I’m not part of it anymore.’
Katya was full of praise for Nigel’s hard work on the show and looked emotional at the thought of them no longer getting to perform together.
She said: ‘I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor.
‘I know the reasons he did this were for your daughter and your parents and I know your parents will be very proud of you. I hope you’ve got something out of this that you will cherish forever in your broken rib.’
Nigel replied: ‘The only reason I’m standing here is because of all the work you’ve put in. You challenge me, you push me, you support me. Most of all, you’re just part of me now.’ Becoming emotional, he added: ‘I can’t even look at you!’
He and Katya were due to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins as part of the programme’s ‘musicals week.’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’