Strictly Star Forced to Miss Iconic Blackpool Special
Strictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix has broken her silence about the conspiracy theories surrounding her unexpected withdrawal from this weekend's Blackpool special. The drag performer, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, revealed the truth behind her exit during an emotional appearance on It Takes Two earlier this week.
The 45-year-old Drag Race star was forced to pull out of the highly anticipated Blackpool Tower Ballroom episode after suffering a persistent foot injury that threatened to become more serious. Speaking alongside dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec, 35, and host Janette Manrara, 42, La Voix provided detailed insight into the medical issue that has been troubling her for weeks.
The Injury Timeline Revealed
"This has been ongoing since the foxtrot," La Voix explained during the Thursday episode of the popular Strictly spin-off show. "I felt a little niggle in my foot, hence comments about me being flat-footed. I was thinking this will be fine, but it got gradually worse."
The situation deteriorated significantly during last Saturday's performance, forcing the entertainer to make dramatic changes to their routine. "Until, on Saturday, we had to change shoes. I couldn't wear heels. I had to wear those awful flat shoes," she revealed.
By Monday, the pain had become unbearable. "We tried on Monday and it was really clear I was struggling, in pain, so we decided to be professional and call this, hoping with some rest I can be back," La Voix told viewers.
Medical Update and Recovery Process
In a subsequent Instagram update, the performer shared more specific details about the injury. "As I'm looking on social media and everyone is on their way to Blackpool, I am off for an MRI scan to see what is actually going on with my foot," she explained to her followers.
The diagnosis revealed a bone bruise caused by repetition of being in heels, located where "my toe joins my foot." La Voix emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting that "if I keep working on it could become a stress fracture," which would mean "six to eight weeks off my foot in a boot."
Fortunately, medical intervention came in time to prevent more severe damage. The performer praised the "amazing" BBC Strictly team for their support, revealing she's had "MRIs, X-rays, physio" and is now wearing a protective boot while "icing and keeping my foot elevated and resting as much as I can."
Competition Status and Future Hopes
In positive news for fans, La Voix and Aljaž will receive a bye through to next week under Strictly Come Dancing rules, meaning they remain in the competition despite missing the Blackpool special. The show confirmed that "it is hoped they will be able to dance again" following La Voix's recovery period.
The performer had previously expressed her devastation in an official statement, saying: "It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw from this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing shows in Blackpool. Due to an injury, I've been advised that I'm unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won't be dancing in such an iconic venue."
La Voix and Aljaž had been preparing to build on their successful Couple's Choice performance from the previous week, where they scored a respectable 33 out of 40 for their routine to Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain On My Parade."
Strictly Come Dancing continues this weekend from Blackpool's Tower Ballroom with six competing couples, while La Voix focuses on recovery with hopes of returning to the dancefloor next week.
