Strictly Come Dancing fans have called upon the BBC to cancel this weekend's elimination, after Nigel Harman was forced to withdraw from the competition just hours before the live quarter-finals were due to take place.
The 50 year old Casualty star had been looking forward to dancing his way into the next round of the competition with his pro partner Katya Jones, with the couple having pulled out all the stops to perfect their lively Charleston routine set to Step in Time from Mary Poppins.
However, during rehearsals Nigel sustained an injury that meant he could no longer safely perform, something which sadly saw him bow out of the contest on medical grounds.
In a statement, the BBC 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.”
Following Nigel’s unexpected departure, just four celebrities now remain in the competition, Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft, who will all be hoping to impress the judges and take home that all important glitter ball trophy.
Since the news broke early on Saturday afternoon, fans of the series have questioned whether or not Sunday’s planned elimination will still go ahead, with several viewers even urging the BBC to reinstate Angela Scanlon, who was sadly eliminated with her pro-parter Carlos Gu last week.
“Surely they need to stop an elimination next week then. 2 in a final doesn't work,” wrote one fan on social media.
“Please cancel tonight's elimination, having a two person final is horrendously boring and anti-climactic,” pleaded another.
Before a third fan added: “Absolutely gutted for him. He was heading to the final for sure. Speedy recovery Nigel.”
A fourth fan then suggested: “Can you bring back @angelascanlon PLEASE,” a sentiment that was echoed by dozens more heartbroken fans.
So far the BBC have yet to confirm any changes to the voting arrangements or eliminations, with any logistical changes expected to be announced during tonight’s live show.
However The Sun, have suggested that Nigel’s withdrawal now means no elimination will take place this week, with the remaining celebrities all progressing into next week’s nail-biting semi-final.
Nigel’s departure now makes him the second star to have withdrawn from the competition on medical grounds, following actress Amanda Abbington’s decision to leave the show during week six.
The BBC Sherlock actress, who had been partnered with Giovanni Pernice at the time, had been hotly tipped to be one of the strongest competitors in the competition, however sadly the pressure became too much and she was no longer safely able to continue on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday 2 December at 7:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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