Will Bayley has been forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a nasty injury in training.
The Paralympian was nowhere to be seen at the start of Saturday’s show.
An announcement from hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quickly cleared things up, explaining: “Sadly Will Bayley was injured during training and medics have said he cannot dance in the show this weekend.
“Under the rules of Strictly Come Dancing, Will has been granted a bye to next week.”
However it’s now been announced that the injury has forced Will out of the rest of the series.
Strictly’s Executive Producer, Sarah James said today: “We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show.
“He is an incredible and talented person who has brought us some unforgettable moments this series – in particular his powerful and moving couples choice routine.
“He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Will Bayley said: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.
“I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.
“The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Will’s pro partner Janette Manrara added: “Absolutely devastated that Will and I will not be able to continue dancing.
“We made some incredible memories that I will never forget, and I am pleased to have shared them with such an inspirational person who I can now call a friend for life.”
Will and Janette will be on It Takes Two tonight from 6.30pm on BBC Two.
Will and his pro partner Janette Manrara weren’t the only ones missing from Saturday’s episode.
Alex Scott’s pro partner Neil Jones was also unable to perform, replaced by Kevin Clifton.
Kevin had just 45 minutes to learn the pair’s street routine before performing for the judges and viewers.
Neil posted to Twitter after the show: “Proud is not the word. @AlexScott just went out their under pressure and smashed that routine. @keviclifton thank you so much for what you have done tonight it means a lot to me #strictly #teamred
“I would love to thank everyone tonight for your kind words and support. Please show your support to @AlexScott and @keviclifton and I hope for a speedy recovery so I can get back dancing with my partner the AMAZING ALEX SCOTT #strictly #teamred”
Another celebrity couple will be eliminated in this week’s latest results show.
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One.
