BBC Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman address Nigel Harman exit
02.12.2023 - 21:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have said they are 'devasated' after it was confirmed Nigel Harman has had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. The actor was due to take part in Saturday night's (December 2) quarter-finals alongside professional dance partner Katya Joes right up until the eleventh hour.
The pair were due to perform a Charleston to Step In Time from Disney’s Mary Poppins with his partner Katya in week eleven of the BBC One dance contest - which was also the much-anticipated Musicals week.
However, it was announced on Saturday afternoon, just hours before the live show, that due to an injury, Nigel had to withdraw from the quarter-finals and the rest of the competition altogether.
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A BBC spokesperson said: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.” The Casualty star suffered a rib injury, the broadcaster later said.
As they opened Saturday night's live show, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcomed the judges to the ballroom following an epic opening number from the show's group of professional dancers. They then welcomed the four remaining couples before referencing Nigel's exit.
Claudia said: "As you can see we only have four couples. Nigel has unfortunately sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight's show and has had to withdraw from the competition."
Tess added: "We are as devasted as he is," before confirming Nigel and Katya will talk to them in their first interview live on the show.
The quarter-finals