Strictly Come Dancing contestants erupted in celebration during Saturday's show when host Tess Daly delivered the unexpected news that no one would be eliminated this weekend. The announcement came just days after fan favourite La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury.
Blackpool Special Brings Surprise Reprieve
During the glitzy Blackpool special broadcast from the iconic Tower Ballroom, Tess Daly, 56, gathered the celebrities and professional dancers for an important announcement. 'This year, Blackpool is going to be even more special... Listen up, everyone, because we have an announcement,' she told the eagerly awaiting cast.
Beaming with excitement, Daly continued: 'We can confirm no one will be leaving Strictly this weekend.' The ballroom immediately filled with cheers and applause as the relieved contestants celebrated their guaranteed passage to the next round.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The news prompted an immediate reaction on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, where fans shared their conflicting opinions about the unprecedented move. While some viewers expressed delight at the cancellation of the elimination, others questioned the purpose of Sunday's results show.
One fan wrote: 'So what's the point in the results show tomorrow if nobody's going home?' while another exclaimed: 'I'm behind on Strictly but NO ELIMINATION??? LETS GOOOOOO.' Several viewers supported the decision, with one commenting: 'Yes cancel the dance off every week.'
La Voix's Heartbreaking Withdrawal
The elimination reprieve followed the sad announcement earlier in the evening about La Voix's departure from the competition. Tess Daly informed viewers that the drag performer, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, had sustained an injury that prevented her from dancing in the Blackpool special.
'You may have heard, La Voix sustained an injury, meaning that she can't dance in Blackpool tonight,' Daly explained. 'And following further advice from our medical team, we can now confirm she has very sadly had to withdraw from the competition.'
Cameras captured the emotional moment as La Voix fought back tears while receiving a supportive round of applause from the audience. The 45-year-old Drag Race star later released a statement expressing her devastation at missing the Blackpool performance.
'It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw from this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing shows in Blackpool,' she said. 'Due to an injury, I've been advised that I'm unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won't be dancing in such an iconic venue.'
La Voix added that she and professional partner Aljaž had worked 'incredibly hard' and were excited to share their routine. Her focus is now on recovery, though she promised to cheer on the remaining couples from the sidelines.
A Strictly spokesperson confirmed that according to the competition rules, La Voix and Aljaž will receive a bye through to next week when organisers hope they'll be able to return to the dancefloor.
The evening also featured a spectacular performance from pop group Steps, who took to the ballroom floor with the professional dancers, entertaining both the live audience and viewers at home.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to air on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, with all episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
