Strictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix has made an emotional exit from the BBC competition after sustaining a foot injury that forced her withdrawal just before the iconic Blackpool week.
Emotional Farewell on Sunday Results Show
The drag performer, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, broke down in tears during Sunday evening's results show alongside professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec. La Voix confirmed she was pulling out of the Saturday night favourite after the injury made continuing impossible.
"This has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life," La Voix told viewers emotionally. "What I loved most, don't hate me, it's not the dancing, but it's just being welcomed by everyone. I came into the show as a minority, as a redhead, and you've embraced me wonderfully."
Partnership Tributes and Ongoing Injury Struggle
As Aljaž paid tribute to his dance partner, the former Drag Race star wiped away tears and returned the appreciation. La Voix praised Škorjanec's unwavering support throughout their time on the programme.
"I'm just so lucky. What you see on that dancefloor is a fraction of the love and the passion this man has for dance," she said. "You have made me carry on when I've questioned myself, made me laugh on the toughest day and when I thought I couldn't do something, you never gave up on me. Not once."
The performer revealed that the foot problem had been ongoing since the foxtrot, telling It Takes Two earlier in the week: "I felt a little niggle in my foot hence comments about me being flat-footed. I was thinking this will be fine, but it got gradually worse."
Blackpool Disappointment and Fan Reactions
The timing proved particularly devastating as La Voix missed the famous Blackpool special, which every competitor dreams of reaching. Despite the setback, she was able to close out the Blackpool show descending onto the stage on a massive heart for a quick routine set to Love Is In The Air.
Fans expressed their sadness across social media platforms, with many praising her "dry witticisms" and suggesting she might return as a presenter in future seasons. One supporter wrote: "So disappointed that La Voix has had to drop out as injured. I love her dry witticisms."
A source told The Sun: "Obviously this is utterly devastating and couldn't have come at a worst time as every competitor really wants to reach the Blackpool stage. Plus at this point in the competition the final is almost within touching distance."
Before the withdrawal was confirmed, La Voix had expressed hope about returning after Blackpool, commenting: "I hope so. Some people have said online that it's just because I wanted to get out of doing the samba. I was desperate to get to Blackpool and do the samba."
In a statement earlier in the week, La Voix said: "My heart truly breaks knowing I won't be dancing in such an iconic venue." She added that her focus was now on recovery while cheering on the remaining couples from the sidelines.
