Jaime Winstone Strictly Come Dancing injury withdrawal, Digi Mart USA News: Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One tonight at 6.30pm following a controversial Halloween week, but one contestant will not be taking to the dance floor. Actress Jaime Winstone has been forced to take a temporary step back from the competition, and she admitted she was “absolutely devastated.”
Her exit follows her involvement in the triple dance-off during Halloween week, which marked another controversial first for the BBC show. The results show saw Jaime perform again alongside actor Lawrence Robb and actress Bethany Antonia.
The judges chose to send Lawrence home, meaning Jaime was given the chance to learn a new routine for this week, but luck was not on her side.
Jaime was forced to miss this weekend’s live show following an injury, and the show’s bosses explained she had been advised by doctors to rest. As with Delta Goodrem’s recent injury, Jaime and her professional partner Carlos Gu will receive a bye through to next week, when they are hoped to be able to dance again.
In a statement, Jaime said: “I am absolutely devastated not to be dancing this weekend due to a torn abdominal muscle. I am in considerable pain, and my doctors have advised complete rest to give my body the best possible chance to heal.
“As frustrating as it is, I have to put my health first and follow their advice to step away from dancing this week. I love every moment of dancing and performing with Carlos, and I am praying for a speedy recovery so that I can continue this magical journey.
“I want to thank everyone for their incredible support so far. It means more than you know.
Wishing everyone on the show all the luck, love and strength for Saturday night and I hope to be back on that dance floor very soon. With love, Jaime.”
Reports later suggested the injury was sustained while she was practising a lift during a salsa rehearsal. She reportedly saw an on-set physio straight away and was eager to perform in Saturday’s live show.
Although she soldiered on through the pain, the decision was made for her to focus on a proper recovery.
Fans reacted on social media to Jaime’s absence, with some speculating about the impact on the dance-off. Another fan defended Jaime against comments suggesting her injury was faked, pointing out that she had been assessed and advised by doctors to rest.
Wishing her a speedy recovery, the fan said they hoped to see Jaime back on the dance floor in week 8.
