Will Bayley has called for a rule change on Strictly Come Dancing after being forced to withdraw from the BBC One show due to a leg injury. The Paralympian landed awkwardly after jumping from a raised platform during studio rehearsals, causing him to miss last Saturday's show.
Bayley, a gold medal-winning table tennis player, said: 'I'm gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I've loved being part of the show.' He is the second contestant to pull out this year due to injury, following Jamie Laing who withdrew before the series launched after injuring his foot.
The 31-year-old, who was partnered with professional dancer Janette Manrara, added: '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.'
Bayley and Manrara had been in the competition for six weeks, with their best score of 32 points coming in week five for their contemporary dance to Lukas Graham's 7 Years. The show's executive producer, Sarah James, said: 'We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show. He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.'
Manrara said: '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 who I can now call a friend for life.'
With nine couples left in the competition, a single vote-off each week would leave three pairs competing for the glitterball trophy on 14 December. Strictly Come Dancing has not yet made any announcement on any changes to this year's competition as a result of the mid-series withdrawal.
