On Air Now
Smooth Breakfast with Eamonn Kelly 6am - 10am
Strictly Come Dancing: Will Bayley quits the show due to injury
30 October 2019, 18:00 | Updated: 30 October 2019, 18:01
Strictly Come Dancing has announced that Will Bayley has had to withdraw from the series due to injury.
The Paralympian was forced to quit the BBC One series after suffering a fall during training just before last Saturday's live show.
Will Bayley, who has Arthrogryposis, was seen to be in agony in video footage taken after he jumped off a table in training, and revealed that he first thought he had broken his leg.
The table tennis star was given a bye to the next round of the competition.
Executive Producer, Sarah James said: “We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show. He is an incredible and talented person who has brought us some unforgettable moments this series - in particular his powerful and moving couples choice routine. He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Will Bayley said: "I'm gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received. I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.
"The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life."
His dance partner Janette Manrara added: “Absolutely devastated that Will and I will not be able to continue dancing. We made some incredible memories that I will never forget, and I am pleased to have shared them with such an inspirational person whom I can now call a friend for life.”
Will had previously told fans he was “absolutely gutted” to not be able to perform after being declared “not fit” to dance.
“I hope to be back on the dance floor next week,” he said in an Instagram video. “Good luck to everyone tonight. Thanks for all your messages guys, ill be back. Im so sorry @jmanrara.”
However, Strictly professional Neil Jones will make a return to the show, after missing out on last week's dance with partner Alex Scott due to an injury.
Kevin Clifton stepped in to partner Alex, ironically achieving her highest score so far, but Neil will be back this Saturday.
