BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell has revealed the heartbreaking reason behind his sudden departure from Strictly Come Dancing, confessing that a debilitating spinal condition left him barely able to walk during rehearsals.
The popular television personality, known for his energetic sports reporting, developed a serious inflammatory arthritis in his spine that threatened to end his dancing career before it even began.
The Painful Reality Behind the Smiles
'I was in absolute agony,' Bushell admitted in an emotional interview. 'There were days when I could barely get out of bed, let alone perform the complex dance routines required for Strictly.'
The condition, which causes severe inflammation in the spinal joints, struck at the worst possible moment as he prepared for the iconic BBC competition. What should have been an exciting challenge became a daily battle with pain and limited mobility.
A Difficult Decision
After consulting with medical specialists, the 58-year-old presenter faced the devastating truth: continuing with the physically demanding show could cause permanent damage to his spine.
'Making the decision to step away was one of the hardest moments of my career,' Bushell shared. 'I had been so looking forward to the experience, but my health had to come first.'
Support from the Strictly Family
Despite his disappointment, Bushell expressed immense gratitude for the support he received from the Strictly Come Dancing production team and fellow contestants.
'Everyone at the BBC has been incredibly understanding,' he said. 'The Strictly family really rallied around me during this difficult time.'
The popular sports presenter remains optimistic about his recovery and future television projects, though he acknowledges the long road ahead in managing his condition.
