BBC Strictly’s tragic injuries – popped knees, strapped to machine for days and heart surgery

BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing has been a fan staple ever since it first aired in 2004.

Turning celebrities into professional ballroom dancers, the show has become a winter favorite with Brits across the UK. With the famous faces put through their paces, Strictly has been known to make or break stars.

But behind the scenes, training for the dance show can be gruelling and can often lead to unwanted injuries and health issues. Things can sometimes become so bad that celebs are forced to withdraw from the competition altogether.

READ MORE: Strictly star Angela Scanlon’s next career move ‘exposed’ after tearful BBC exit

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This year, actor Nigel Harman had to say an early goodbye due to sustaining an injury during rehearsals. With Nigel unfortunately out of the running to be crowned this year’s winner, Daily Star has taken a look at the stars who were forced to leave due to their health woes.

Nigel Harman

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman left Strictly fans stunned when it was revealed that he had to withdraw from the competition due to a rib injury. The 50-year-old, who was partnered with professional Katya Jones was left heartbroken as he was forced to bow out hours before this year’s quarter-finals.

Nigel and Katya were due to compete with a Charleston to Step in Time from Disney’s Mary Poppins. But things didn’t go tp plan when Nigel injured himself during rehearsals.

Talking to presenter Claudia Winkleman, he explained: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and as I flew, I was Peter Pan and as I landed, I was in A&E. I’ve done something to my rib basically and it’s quite painful. I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well, but I’m having a lovely time.”

An emotional Katya then said: “Absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on a dancefloor. She added: “I know the reasons you did this, for your daughter and for your parents and especially missing out on this number, I know your parents would be very, very proud of you.”

AJ Odudu

Tragedy struck for Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu in 2021 as she was ruled out of the competition days before the final. AJ was riding high in the competition alongside Kai Widdrington but she unfortunately sustained an injury to her ankle which forced her to leave early.

Taking to X formerly known as Twitter at the time, she said: “I’ve done all I can possibly do to get back on my feet for the @BBCStrictly final. I even asked the docs if I could perform in a medical moonboot!

“But the fact is, I can’t stand on my feet let alone dance because I’ve torn my spring ligament. She added: “Strictly Come Dancing has been a lifelong dream and I’m glad it came true. Good luck to my partners in dance, John and Johannes and Rose and Giovanni. I will be cheering you on (on one leg!)”

AJ tried her best to recover before the final and had a number of treatments. This included ultrasounds, MRI scans and X-rays, two incisions to drain the inflammation around her ankle and being “strapped up to an ice compression machine for days”.

Jamie Laing

In 2019, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing was forced to pull out of the BBC show due to a foot injury. However, Jamie’s injury was sustained very early on as it took place as he was rehearsing for the launch show.

Jamie said at the time: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition. I was so excited to hit the dance floor. I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Adding to this, Executive producer Sarah James said: “We are so sad that Jamie won’t be able to take part in the series, he had already lit up the ballroom during the launch show with his boundless energy and enthusiasm. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Luckily for Jamie, he was given a second chance to hit the dancefloor. Jamie returned in 2020 and made it all the way to the final.

Tony Adams

Last year, football legend Tony Adams withdrew from the competition due to a hamstring injury. The former Arenal player was partnered with Katya Jones and was remembered for his hilarious routines.

On spin-off show, It Takes Two, Tony said: “They gave me the choice, they were very professional the BBC. The physio was first class, they said ‘It’s your decision Tony, do you want to go for it?’ my wife said ‘My mum’s coming, you’ve got to dance’, I looked into her eyes and she went ‘Hmm… Come on!’

“It’s been amazing, this has been great, coming on here every week and chatting to you guys, I’ve loved this more than the dancing. It’s been incredible, I came onto the show with one message to get the message of mental health out there.”

Robert Webb

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Comedian Robert Webb decided to call time on his Strictly stint due to ill health uin 2021. The star explained that his previous surgery effected him on the BBC show.

He said at the time: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing … Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.

“I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.”

Jade Johnson

Olympic athlete Jade Johnson was also forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing due to an injury. The long-jumper “popped” her knee and was unable to perform on the weekend she was scheduled to.

At the time, presenters Presenters Tess Daly and the late Bruce Forsyth confirmed to viewers that she was suffering from a “grade two tear” to a knee ligament. Jade also spoke to viewers about her injury via VT.

She said: “I’m so, so upset that I can’t dance tonight. Right now, it just makes me see what a wonderful time I’ve had, how much I’ve enjoyed it and definitely how much I’m going to miss it.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk