I’d love you to watch along with me as our remaining couples perform routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits, bidding to make it through to the semi-final.įirst, though, the headline news. I’m Michael, your fellow theatre-goer for tonight’s musical theatre-themed quarter-final. Good evening and welcome to week 11 of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. And it’s not good news for one unfortunate couple.

Musicals Week has seen high drama before it’s even started.

It’s half an hour until the sparkly curtain comes up…Ħd ago 19.55 CET Injury heartbreak for Nigel Harman “It’s a live situation and the logistical details will be revealed on the show this evening,” said a BBC spokesperson, with their stress levels almost audible. This afternoon, it wasn’t clear whether an elimination would still go ahead this weekend. His reluctant late withdrawal caused production chaos at Elstree Studios. Little did he suspect that he might actually need them. In fact, Nigel joked this week that the routine was so fast and furious, he “needed oxygen” by the end, was at risk of “being sick” and he’d put St John’s Ambulance on standby. I wonder if it had been a less full-on dance - a slow foxtrot, waltz or rumba, perhaps - he might have been patched up, injected with painkillers and soldiered on? A Charleston leaves nowhere to hide if you’re not 100% fit. The 50-year-old actor had been due to dance a chimney sweep Charleston tonight with professional partner Katya Jones, set to Step In Time from Mary Poppins. Should Katya Jones go solo? Shall we start a Bring Back Les Dennis campaign? It’s 25 minutes until we go live… They’ve not been training, have doubtless got other commitments and it doesn’t quite seem fair. However, that’s rarely a realistic option. Angela Rippon and Krishan Guru-Murthy were the previous two to depart the dancefloor. Angela Scanlon was knocked out last weekend, of course. There are often calls in these situation to bring back an eliminated couple for another chance. Just two years ago, AJ Odudu qualified for the final but was heartbreakingly forced to drop out after tearing an ankle ligament, leaving it a two-way battle between Rose Ayling Ellis and John Whaite.

We’ve had late injury withdrawals before, of course. The options are either an elimination-free weekend (which lacks drama) or a two-couple final (which lacks content). Nigel’s sudden exit means we’re now two couples down, which leaves the series in a tricky spot. We’ve already seen a surprise withdrawal this series when actress Amanda Abbington quit the contest after week four for personal reasons.

6d ago 20.01 CET Series left in a strange situation

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