Jamie Laing has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing – here’s exactly why.
The Made In Chelsea star signed up as one of 2019’s celebrity contestants and had filmed this year’s launch show.
However the BBC announced last week (September 5) that Jamie had been forced to quit Strictly before the first live show after suffering an injury during filming the first group dance.
Tess Daly recalled the moment things went wrong for Jamie in an interview with the Metro newspaper: “He was just bounding around with excitement, he was just so excited to be there he couldn’t believe it.
“And then we paired everyone up with their special partners for the launch show and the poor thing got on the floor, took his first move and just tumbled to the ground and did something to his foot and he was warned by executives he couldn’t go on with the show.”
Tess says Jamie was in “tears” after the stumble, which has led to the end of his time in the competition before the first live show.
Taking to his social media after the news was revealed, Jamie gave fans an update.
He said in a video message: “It’s just been announced to the press that I won’t be dancing on Strictly this year, which is really upsetting and devastating.
“But when these things happen you have to be positive. When life throws you a curveball you have to knock it out of the park and I will be supporting every single one of my buddies who will be dancing this year. 2019 is going to be incredible. They’re going to be great bunch of people, they’re wonderful.
“I wish I could be dancing but I can’t but they will rock the dancefloor. Good luck to everyone.”
Jamie added in a caption alongside the video: “Thank you to everyone and good luck to all of my buddies who are dancing this year – I’m devastated I won’t be with you but I know you’ll ROCK IT for all of us @bbcstrictly ❤️”
It’s been reported that a last-minute replacement has been lined up for Jamie, but the BBC has yet to officially announce any news.
For now, the pre-recorded Strictly Come Dancing launch will go ahead as scheduled tonight Saturday, September 7 from 7:10PM.
The launch episode will see the celebs – including Jamie – and pros partnered up before taking to the dancefloor for the first time in a group dance.
Strictly’s live shows will then follow on Saturday, September 21, airing weekly until December.
PICTURE: Instagram/@JamieLaing
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