Strictly Come Dancing has announced a change to the BBC show’s Christmas special – after one star got injured.
It has been confirmed that professional dancer Carlos Gu won’t be taking part in the festive special of the show. He had originally been partnered up with TV presenter Vogue Williams but after a bad injury, he has now quit the show.
Carlos had to pull out of rehearsals for the Christmas special after sustaining an ankle injury, with Gorka Marquez set to replace him and partner up with Vogue, who will no doubt be hoping to lift the Christmas Glitterball trophy.
A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, professional dancer, Carlos Gu, has sustained an ankle injury so is unable to participate in the Christmas Special alongside contestant Vogue Williams. Fellow professional dancer, Gorka Márquez will be stepping in for him and dancing with Vogue. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
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Carlos won’t be performing in the Christmas special (Image: PA)
Vogue was one of the first names to be confirmed for the Christmas special.
Sharing her excitement, she said: “I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best! I’m loving it so far, bring on the Ballroom floor.”
Other celebrities taking part in the festive special include comedian Josh Widdicombe, Drag artist Tayce, Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – also known as Nitro – as well as actress Tamzin Outhwaite and Race Across The World’s Billy Monger.
The Christmas special will air on Christmas Day this year, but will be pre-recorded.
Carlos is a fan favourite on the show (Image: -)
It comes after professional dancer Amy Dowden was forced to pull out of the main series after suffering an injury. She had originally been partnered with , but now Lauren Oakley has replaced her.
A statement said at the time: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner. The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
A spokesperson for the dancer added: “Amy is hoping to be able to dance again on Strictly before the end of the series. It is a different injury to the one she had a year ago. It’s the same foot but a different bone. It’s just terribly bad luck. She did it during training, it was one of those things, nobody’s fault, but it got worse over the next few days.”
* airs Sunday night on One and iPlayer.