Was Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harman forced to quit just hours before live show

Nigel Harman, the 50-year-old Casualty actor, and his dance partner Katya Jones have withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing due to an injury. They were set to perform a Charleston to "Step in Time" from Disney's Mary Poppins during tonight's BBC1 live quarter-finals.

Tonight's musical-themed live quarter finals were set to feature a Charleston performance of "Step in Time" from Mary Poppins by the pair. Regrettably, Nigel sustained an injury, leading him to withdraw from Strictly, as confirmed by a BBC spokesperson. Additionally, reports mentioned Nigel's absence from his usual morning rehearsals.

Nigel has sustained an injury, rendering him unable to perform in tonight's show, and he has had to withdraw from Strictly,a spokesperson for the BBC informed various publications.


Nigel's departure ensures no elimination this week. Instead, Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams, and Bobby Brazier will advance to the next round.

In the previous episode, Nigel and Katya delivered the most passionate routine, performing a steamy rhumba on a bed. Katya, the 34-year-old Russian pro dancer, wore a silk negligee for their dance to Celine Dion's powerful ballad, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now.”

Nigel bestowed a gentle kiss on her forehead amidst the choreography.

The series witnessed its second surprising departure as Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice withdrew due to medical reasons. The actress, previously considered a contender for the glitterball glory, showcased a string of impressive performances.

Following the BBC's social media announcement, fans expressed their disappointment in the comments section regarding the departure of the beloved star.

Some raised concerns about the continuation of public voting post-Nigel's exit and speculated if the final date, initially scheduled for December 16, might be altered.

Strictly Come Dancing, a multi-award-winning series is presented by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions. Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the ballroom witnesses a fresh lineup of celebrity contestants each weekend vying for the prestigious Glitterball Trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing has achieved remarkable success, expanding its pro-celebrity format as Dancing with the Stars to over 50 countries.

In the UK, the Strictly phenomenon sparked a resurgence of interest in ballroom dancing classes and led to a surge in dance programs on television.

Complementing each Strictly series on the BBC is the behind-the-scenes companion program, It Takes Two. Additionally, the dazzling Strictly Live tour takes judges, professionals, and celebrities to arenas nationwide.

FAQs

Q1: When was Strictly Come Dancing first aired?
A1: 2004

Q2: Under what name was Strictly Come Dancing earlier broadcasted?
A2: Dancing with the Stars