Strictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix has been forced to withdraw from this weekend's highly anticipated live show at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom after being advised to rest by doctors.
Injury Forces Blackpool Withdrawal
The 45-year-old drag star, who is partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, revealed the news on BBC Two's It Takes Two on Tuesday, November 19. La Voix, whose real name is Chris Dennis, explained that the foot injury has been 'ongoing since the foxtrot'.
'I felt a little niggle in my foot hence comments about me being flat-footed,' she told presenter Janette Manrara. 'I was thinking this will be fine, but it got gradually worse… Until on Saturday we had to change shoes, I couldn't wear heels. I had to wear those awful flat shoes.'
The situation came to a head on Monday when it became clear the pain was too severe to continue. 'We tried on Monday and it was really clear I was struggling in pain so we decided to be professional and call this, hoping with some rest I can be back,' La Voix stated.
Hopes for a Swift Return
When questioned about a potential return after the Blackpool weekend, La Voix responded positively, saying, 'I hope so'. She also addressed online speculation that the injury was a convenient excuse to avoid performing the samba. 'Some people have said online that it’s just because I wanted to get out of doing the samba. I was desperate to get to Blackpool and do the samba. The production that was planned is going to be incredible.'
In an official statement from the BBC, La Voix expressed her devastation: 'My heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue.' She added, 'I am devastated not to be joining the rest of the cast on that famous dancefloor, but my focus now is on recovery. I’ll be cheering on all the amazing couples this weekend.'
Automatic Progression and Fan Updates
According to Strictly Come Dancing rules, La Voix and Aljaž will receive a bye through to the following week, automatically progressing in the competition. A Strictly spokesperson confirmed this, adding, 'We wish La Voix the very best for a speedy recovery.'
The performer also took to Instagram to speak directly to her fans, her 'darlings'. She confirmed that the injury occurred last week and that despite efforts to manage it, 'it became clear that the injury wasn’t improving'. Promising a triumphant return, she wrote, 'I’ll be back on that stage as soon as I’m able—louder, brighter, and sassier than ever.'
La Voix, the series 6 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up, described Strictly as a 'happy place' and expressed her sincere hope that her journey continues. The duo had worked 'incredibly hard' on their routine for the famous ballroom and were excited to share it.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this Saturday at 6.35pm, while It Takes Two continues on weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two.
