Strictly Come Dancing fans have begged producers to ‘cancel this weekend’s elimination’ as Nigel Harman was forced to quit just hours before live show.
The actor, 50, was gearing up to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins with his professional partner Katya Jones for the quarter finals.
However, he has had to pull out of the BBC dance contest on medical grounds after sustaining an injury, which is said to have left him ‘really disappointed’.
His exit leaves just Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft still left in the contest battling it out in a bid to win the iconic glitterball trophy.
Fans of the series have questioned if Sunday’s planned elimination will still go ahead while some called for Angela Scanlon to return following her departure last week.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have begged producers to ‘cancel this weekend’s elimination’ as Nigel Harman was forced to quit just hours before live show (pictured with Katya Jones)
Fans of the series have questioned if Sunday’s planned elimination will still go ahead while some called for Angela Scanlon (pictured) to return following her departure last week
After the BBC announced the news on social media, fans were quick to take to the comments section to share their dismay at the popular star’s exit.
Others also questioned whether there will still be a public vote after Nigel’s exit or if the date of the final, set for December 16, will change. MailOnline understands that the logistic details of any changes will be shared in Saturday night’s episode.
One fan wrote: ‘Absolutely gutted for him. He was heading to the final for sure. Speedy recovery Nigel.’
Another said: ‘I’m so upset for him I liked him,’ a third commented: ‘OMG I’m so gutted he was my favourite dancer.’
A fourth penned: ‘Thats such a shame I’m gutted for Katya too as he’s been her best contestant ages,’ and a fifth said: ‘That’s very sad after all his hard work.’
While another questioned: ‘Surely they need to stop an elimination next week then. 2 in a final doesn’t work.’
One added: ‘Please cancel tonight’s elimination, having a two person final is horrendously boring and anti-climactic.’
The actor was gearing up to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins with his professional partner Katya Jones for the quarter finals when he was forced to withdraw
After the BBC announced the news on social media, fans were quick to take to the comments section to share their dismay at the popular star’s exit
Other fans called for Strictly to bring back Angela Scanlon and her dance partner Carlos Gu because of Nigel’s unexpected exit.
During last Sunday’s dance off, Angela narrowly missed out on a place in the quarters after failing to win over the judges with her cha-cha-cha to Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, with Layton Williams and pro Nikita Kuzmin being saved.
Calling for her to be brought back, one fan said: ‘Can you bring back @angelascanlon PLEASE,’ and a second agreed, penning: ‘Bring back @angelascanlon.’
Another wrote: ‘Poor poor Nigel. He was so fabulous! But I saw someone say bring back Angela Scanlon! Great idea!’
‘Can Angela Scanlon learn a dance in 3 and a half hours please? come back queen!’ someone else wrote.
The Sun have claimed Nigel’s withdrawal means there won’t be an elimination this week, instead the remaining celebs – Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier – will all make it through to next round.
MailOnline has contacted BBC representatives for comment.
Nigel quit Strictly Come Dancing just hours before Saturday night’s live show after sustaining an injury.
The BBC confirmed to MailOnline: ‘Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.’
However, he has had to pull out of the BBC dance contest on medical grounds after sustaining an injury, which is said to have left him ‘really disappointed’
Nigel is not the only star who has quit the 2023 Strictly series after Amanda Abbington – who was paired up with Giovanni Pernice – quit in October due to medical reasons
Nigel is not the only star who has quit the 2023 Strictly series after Amanda Abbington – who was paired up with Giovanni Pernice – quit in October due to medical reasons.
Nigel reportedly missed training on Saturday morning amid his exit, after working ‘really hard’ in rehearsals to try and secure a place in the final.
A source told The Sun: ‘Nigel wasn’t in training this morning, and other dancers were informed later on in the day. He and Katya were really disappointed as they were hoping to stay in the competition.
‘They hadn’t been in the bottom two so had a real chance of making it to the finals.
‘Nigel has been training really hard and really through himself into rehearsals.’
Angela broke down in tears as she addressed her shock Strictly exit on Monday’s It Takes Two.
The One Show host, 39, and her professional partner Carlos Gu, 30, were voted off in Sunday’s show after a tense dance off with Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.
An emotional Angela had to be comforted by Carlos as she addressed her departure after watching a reel of her highlights.
The presenter told host Fleur East it ‘stung’ to leave the competition just one week after wowing the judges with her Argentine Tango in Blackpool.
‘There’s been a few standout moments. I feel really grateful for them. In life, in this glorious madness you can have a steady road, either middle of the road and have quite a smooth journey’, Angela said.
‘I’ve always felt like those ups and downs are better for you to feel things deeply, whether that’s right down there or right up there.
‘Charleston, week three and top of the leaderboard – this kind of took us totally by surprise and it was so joyful and glorious.
‘The Argentine Tango in Blackpool, for me, which is possibly why this stings so much to come a week later.’
Angela broke down in tears as she addressed her shock Strictly exit on Monday’s It Takes Two
The pair showed their strong bond as they held each other’s hand, with Carlos wiping away tears as they watched their best moments on the show.
During Sunday’s dance off, Angela narrowly missed out on a place in the quarters after failing to win over the judges with her cha-cha-cha to Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.
Angela faced Layton and his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, who performed an American Smooth to Magic Moments by Perry Como, originally scoring 34 points.
After watching both routines, the judges delivered the verdicts, with only Shirley Ballas revealing she would pick Angela over Layton.
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.’
