Jaime Winstone will return to Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday after a torn abdominal muscle forced her to miss last weekend's live show. The 41-year-old actress confirmed her comeback in a social media video filmed with her professional partner Carlos Gu.
Return to the rehearsal room
In the video, Jaime said: "We are back in the rehearsal room today. It's been a hard week, it's been very frustrating not being able to dance and join everyone else in the ballroom, especially you." She added that they had been "given the all-clears under certain rules, by the doctors" and had just practised their Charleston with choreographers.
She expressed gratitude for the support she received, saying: "We just want to thank everybody for your amazing support, all the love and all the messages I've received about my injury have been beautiful and overwhelming." She noted she was "working extra hard now" but "starting gently" ahead of Saturday's performance.
Fans react to the news
Supporters shared their excitement, with one commenting: "Woop woop! So happy to see ya back!" Another wrote: "So, so happy! I can't wait to see your dance - and vote for you, you're incredible!"
Last week, Jaime told fans she was "absolutely devastated" not to be dancing due to a torn abdominal muscle. She said she was "in considerable pain" and that doctors had advised complete rest. A BBC spokesperson confirmed she would receive a bye through to this weekend, in line with show rules.
Hosts address her absence
During last Saturday's live show, hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe addressed Jaime's absence. Josh explained she had been advised not to perform on medical grounds and would receive a bye. Emma sent her love, saying: "Jaime, we know you're watching from home tonight we miss you so much and we're sending you all our love and we hope you get better soon."
Australian singer Delta Goodrem also missed a week earlier in the series due to a rib injury but has since returned with partner Kai Widdrington. Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, November 14 at 6.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
