Jaime Winstone's injury-forced absence from this week's Strictly Come Dancing has sparked concern among fans for co-star Bethany Antonia. The actress, 41, announced she would miss the live show after medics advised rest.
In line with the show's rules, Jaime and her partner Carlos Gu will receive a pass-through to next week, when they hope to dance again. Last weekend, Jaime and Carlos survived the show's first-ever triple dance-off.
Fans fear for Bethany Antonia
Fans of the BBC dancing competition have voiced fears that Bethany Antonia and professional dancer Nancy Xu could now be at risk of elimination, just one week after the Halloween special episode. Turning to social media, one fan said: "That means it's going to be Bethany out on Saturday?"
A second added: "Jaime will probably leave next week anyway depending on what dance style she gets she's been in the bottom 2, 3 times. I'm worried for Bethany now though." Another commented: "I'm just wondering who is gonna be in dance off now, it felt likely to be jamie/bethany again so now feels like we might have a shock couple in dance off."
Triple dance-off aftermath
Last week, Jaime and Carlos, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał, and Bethany and Nancy all found themselves in the bottom three. The judges voted to send Lawrence home after the first-ever triple dance-off.
Sharing her heartbreak as she disclosed she was missing this weekend's live episode, Jaime said: "I am absolutely devastated not to be dancing this weekend due to a torn abdominal muscle. I am in considerable pain, and my doctors have advised complete rest to give my body the best possible chance to heal. As frustrating as it is, I have to put my health first and follow their advice to step away from dancing this week."
She added: "I love every moment of dancing and performing with Carlos, and I am praying for a speedy recovery so that I can continue this magical journey. I want to thank everyone for their incredible support so far. It means more than you know. Wishing everyone on the show all the luck, love and strength for Saturday night and I hope to be back on that dance floor very soon. With love, Jaime."
Co-stars send support
Several of Jaime's Strictly co-stars sent their love on Instagram, where an official announcement was shared. Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "We wish you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself and health first." Pro dancer Aleksandra Isaeva added: "Noooo. Wish you a fast recovery." Dianne Buswell commented with a red heart emoji and said she was "sending love".
This is not the first time a celebrity has had to pull out for a week this season. Delta Goodrem pulled out of Icons Week following a rib injury but returned the following week. The pop star wrote on social media at the time: "Just wanted to come on here and say a big Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and wrote lovely comments the last couple of days, I see them all. Not the start to the week I'd hoped for but your support has meant the world. Also special big thank you to my amazing dance partner @kaiwidd who I will miss dancing with this weekend but I am so beyond grateful for his guidance and friendship through it all.. as well as the wonderful Strictly team!!"
