Actress Jaime Winstone has pulled out of this week's episode of Strictly Come Dancing after suffering a torn abdominal muscle. The BBC confirmed that doctors advised her to rest, meaning she will not perform this weekend.
In line with the show's rules, Winstone and her professional partner Carlos Gu will receive a bye through to next week. The BBC said it is hoped they will be able to dance again then.
Star's Statement on Injury
Winstone 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.”
Support from Fellow Contestants
The BBC said: “In line with the rules of the show, Jaime and Carlos will receive a bye through to next week, when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Jaime the very best as she continues her recovery.”
Fellow competitor Delta Goodrem commented on Instagram: “Ahhhh sending all the healing energy beautiful Jaime the same way you gave me so much love and support!!!! Heal and rest, get better. We come back fighting!! Xxx.” Professional dancer Dianne Buswell said: “Sending love.” Head judge Shirley Ballas added: “We wish you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself health first xx.”
Recent Form and Background
Winstone and Gu, the reigning champion of the series, have faced the dance-off over the past two weeks, narrowly avoiding elimination. Winstone is known for films including Made In Dagenham, Bullet Boy and Tomb Raider, and has appeared in shows such as Dead Set, Poirot and the BBC TV movie Babs, where she played the late Dame Barbara Windsor.
Last month, Delta Goodrem also missed a week of the competition after suffering a rib injury. She returned the following week, scoring the first 10 of this season after performing a rumba to Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back To Me Now with professional partner Kai Widdrington, placing her second. After the dance, Goodrem said: “It was a tough week this week, and it’s been sort of waves and sort of working through the process, but when you know you have a time frame, where you just have to keep getting up step by step, I think that was a positive mindset… I’m thrilled we could get through it today and onwards and upwards.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.30pm Saturday on BBC One.
