Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were furious after the launch show last night as dance pro fave Oti Mabuse was left without a celeb partner.
She was matched with Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, but he was forced to pull out of the competition after a serious foot injury.
NEWS!: We are pleased to announce that actor Kelvin Fletcher will be joining #Strictly 2019, replacing Jamie Laing on the show. 🎉@kelvin_fletcher 👉https://t.co/bPWJ388b36 pic.twitter.com/evrGYNBd0d
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 7, 2019
But they needn’t have worried, as the show has announced Jamie does have a replacement, and he’s a popular choice!
Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher will be pulling on the Lycra and sequins…
Read more: All the Strictly Come Dancing pairings
The 35-year-old father of two confirmed: “It’s been the most surreal week of my life.
“I’m a massive fan of Strictly so it’s incredible. I’m so happy that I can be a part of it.
“I can’t imagine going through all this excitement and then having to pull out.
“My thoughts are with him – he seems like a fantastic guy and I hope he’s doing OK.”
Read more: Anton Du Beke insults previous partners on launch show
Fans, including Emmerdale actress and former SCD star Lisa Riley, are thrilled with Kelvin’s sign-up…
Omfg @kelvin_fletcher has replaced Jamie on Strictly come dancing well now I’m rooting for him and @Cath_Tyldesley #Strictly
— Anne Gregory (@LoveforKieronx) September 8, 2019
Pleased that they have a replacement for Jamie Laing on #Strictly. It wouldn’t have been the same without the excellent choreography of @OtiMabuse
— Karen (@Karen55555) September 8, 2019
Ok now @bbcstrictly have added @kelvin_fletcher to the family I have now got my PERFECT TOP THREE!!Which are @kelvin_fletcher @Cath_Tyldesley and Diva Gem @michellevisage should be a giddy year 💛👏🏼💛Keeeeeeeeep Watching!!! Two PROPER Northeners, and a New York Queen💛#Strictly
— Lisa Jane riley (@Reallisariley) September 8, 2019
Jamie was devastated to lose his spot on the show, saying: “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.”
Hopefully we’ll see him given another shot in 2020!
Would you like to see Jamie back, and are you happy with Kevin? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.