Jamie Laing forced to QUIT Strictly Come Dancing after injury

Jamie Laing has been forced to QUIT Strictly Come Dancing after suffering an injury before the first live show.

The Made In Chelsea star was one of 15 celebs on the new line up of celebrities for the 2019 series.

But he reportedly injured his foot while performing during the group dance for this weekend’s pre-recorded launch episode.

Show bosses have now announced that Jamie has been forced to withdraw from the series.

In a statement the BBC said: “Sadly due to an injury, Jamie Laing will no longer be able to take part in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. As the Strictly launch show is pre-recorded, Jamie will still feature in this programme which airs Saturday, 7th September.”

Jamie Laing said: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor! I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Strictly’s exec producer Sarah James added: “We are so sad that Jamie won’t be able to take part in the series, he had already lit up the ballroom during the launch show with his boundless energy and enthusiasm.

“We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

The BBC say that “further information will be issued in due course.”

Strictly Come Dancing launches this Saturday, September 7 from 7:10PM as the celebs and pros are paired up before taking to the dancefloor for the first time in a group dance.

The pre-recorded episode, which was filmed last Friday, will also feature music from Kylie Minogue and Mark Ronson.

Meanwhile, Strictly’s live shows will begin later this month on Saturday, September 21.

Alongside Jamie, celebs signed up for the series are England international goalkeeper David James, TV legend Anneka Rice, comic Chris Ramsey and EastEnders’ actress Emma Barton.

More confirmed Strictly celebs are social media star Saffron Barker, Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley, BBC Sports presenter Mike Bushell and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual.

Completing the line up are Viscountess Emma Weymouth, RuPaul Drag Race’s Michelle Visage, Paralympic champion Will Bayley, footballer and presenter Alex Scott, Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin, and gold medal winning Olympian James Cracknell.