Injured Strictly Come Dancing star Will Bayley has updated fans about his condition after sustaining an injury serious enough to rule him out of competing this week.
The Paralympian hero, 31, was ruled out and given a bye to next week’s round of the BBC One dance show after hurting his leg following an awkward landing during rehearsals for the Halloween special.
According to The Sun, Will may have torn his meniscus ligament – and injury which can take months to heal.
Will, who was due to perform a jive with pro partner Janette Manrara, was left writhing on the dance floor in agony due the nasty spill which forced him to pull out, just one week after his inspirational display moved judge Motsi Mabuse to tears.
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After the news he was unable to participate was confirmed by Strictly host Tess Daly, Will took to social media to restate his hope to return to the show next week.
He also said he was “absolutely gutted” to miss out.
And after being deluged by well wishes, the table tennis gold medallist also admitted he felt overwhelmed by the positivity and support being sent his way.
“I’m so lucky. I feel so loved by you guys,” he tweeted.
During the programme, a pre-recorded interview with Will away from the Strictly studio was aired alongside footage of the moments following his close shave were shown.
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Medics were seen attending to the popular star as he writhed in agony on the floor. Janette, 35, looked concerned as she shown comforting her stricken partner.
He recalled: “I jumped off a table and as I landed I landed with straight legs. I thought I’d broke my leg as I’d never felt anything like that before.
“But luckily its not as severe as what I thought when I first did it.”
“To hear the words ‘I absolutely can’t dance’ was really gutting for me but I need to recover now and come back even stronger next week.”
Reflecting on Will’s state of mind with Claudia Winkleman, Janette explained: “Well he’s obviously a bit gutted he couldn’t be with us dancing the jive that he absolutely loved all week. He’s at home on icing, taking care of himself and he’s resting.
“Fingers crossed he comes back next week. Will, I love you, if you’re watching you know my heart is with you.”
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Sadly, Will Bayley was injured during training and medics have said he cannot dance in the show this weekend.
I’m so lucky. I feel so loved by you guys. Thank for the messages made me feel so much better ❤️
— Will Bayley MBE (@WillBayleytt) October 26, 2019
“Under the rules of Strictly Come Dancing, Will has been granted a bye to next week.
Kevin Clifton, eliminated earlier in the series with celebrity partner Anneka Rice, joked following his Ghostbusters-themed street dance with Alex that he ‘had to make it to the final some way’.
– Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight on BBC One at 6.35pm
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