The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom has been hit with yet another devastating blow. In a tear-jerking moment on Saturday night, presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed that beloved drag superstar La Voix has been forced to withdraw from the competition due to a serious ankle injury – and she will not be returning.
The news comes after an already injury-plagued series that has seen celebrities including Dani Dyer and Steffan Dennis sidelined, but La Voix’s exit feels especially cruel. The 45-year-old performer, real name Chris Dennis, had battled through pain to reach this stage, even receiving a bye after missing the iconic Blackpool special on 15 November. Tragically, medical experts have now ruled that returning to the dance floor would be too dangerous.
Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole, who danced on the show from 2004 to 2017, has opened up about the gut-wrenching reality of losing a partner mid-series. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk on behalf of Sky Vegas, the 49-year-old didn’t hold back.
“It’s awful for La Voix to have to withdraw at this stage,” Brendan said. “I’ve been there myself – when Kelly Brook had to pull out in 2007 after her father suddenly passed away. You pour weeks, months, every ounce of energy into this show, and then it’s ripped away through no fault of your own. It feels like cold turkey.”
Brendan also gave a rare, raw insight into the emotional toll the competition takes – even for those who leave by public vote.
“Even getting eliminated normally feels horrible,” he revealed. “You walk into the professional rehearsal room the next week and suddenly you’re not part of the gang anymore. You feel like the loser who couldn’t stay in. It can be a very lonely place.”
Taking to Instagram, La Voix shared her heartbreak with fans: “I’m absolutely devastated to be leaving Strictly. This has been a dream come true and I fought so hard to keep going, but sadly my body has said no. Thank you to my incredible partner Aljaž Škorjanec and to everyone who has supported us – you’ve made this journey magical.”
As the glitter settles on another shattered Strictly dream, one thing is clear: beneath the sequins and smiles, the emotional stakes on this show have never been higher.