Yahoo News Crashing out already? Jamie Laing's 'Strictly' future is in jeopardy
The Strictly Come Dancing launch show hasn’t even aired yet, but already one of its stars could be leaving the ballroom after a nasty accident.
Made in Chelsea regular Jamie Laing made a misstep in the first group dance, which took place in a recording on Friday, landing awkwardly on his right foot.
Over the weekend, he was pictured on crutches hobbling through Notting Hill with girlfriend Sophie Habboo, with the injured foot strapped up in a supportive boot.
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Apparently he’s awaiting an X-ray that will show whether he has done any serious damage to his foot and if he’ll have to leave the series before it has even begun.
The show he took part in on Friday is a pre-recorded launch episode, due to air this Saturday, in which the celebrities are matched with their dance partners and perform a group routine, giving a first idea of their talents.
Unfortunately, it seems like the performance ended in disaster for Laing, as even if he does stay in the contest he will be losing valuable rehearsal time with his pro partner, who he’s due to dance on the live shows with at the end of September.
The last time a contestant had to leave Strictly through injury was back in 2009, when Olympic athlete Jade Johnson tore a ligament in her knee during rehearsals halfway through the series.
If Laing isn’t given the all-clear to perform, he will be the first celebrity to have to pull out due to injury before the series has even begun.
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However, there was some good news for the reality star – things looked like they were going well with girlfriend Habboo, who was recently reported to have dumped him over rumours that he had repeatedly cheated on her.
The couple looked happy, despite Laing’s injury, as they shopped together in west London on Saturday.
Channeling his inner John Travolta, @JamieLaing_UK is ready to catch #Strictly Saturday Night Fever🕺 pic.twitter.com/rjiOfPH7ql
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 1, 2019
Meanwhile, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has been forced to apologise after a joke was badly received during the launch show taping.
As reigning champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, who are now a couple, returned to the ballroom, Revel Horwood said: “Stacey was dragged up from the dance gutter... Of course, if you sleep with your dance partner that helps.”
Read more: Craig Revel Horwood apologises for Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton clanger
Filming reportedly had to be stopped and Dooley’s mum is said to have left the studio.
Revel Horwood later said: “I’m deeply sorry for the offence caused to Kevin and Stacey and everyone who works on the show.
“I recognise that what I said was hurtful, cruel and incredibly disrespectful. It was a huge error of judgement that I very much regret.”
