Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of Christmas special as statement issued

Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu has been forced to pull out of the Christmas special due to injury. The Chinese professional dancer had been due to take to the floor with celebrity partner Vogue Williams for the festive episode.

But it was revealed he can no longer take part due to a serious ankle injury. Fans had been looking forward to seeing the star, who joined the BBC show in 2022, in action after he missed out on a partner for the main show this year.

The BBC confirmed he would not be taking part, and announced his replacement. Gorka Marquez will instead take to the floor with Irish model Vogue, who is married to Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthews.

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A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing said: "Unfortunately, professional dancer, Carlos Gu, has sustained an ankle injury so is unable to participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special alongside contestant Vogue Williams. Fellow professional dancer, Gorka Márquez will be stepping in for him and dancing with Vogue. We all wish him a speedy recovery."

Carlos had already gotten to know Vogue and her husband Spencer, being invited to their home. Vogue shared: "When Carlos was over yesterday and Spenny obviously kept walking around with his top off. And Carlos was like 'does he love himself' and I was like 'yeah, obviously, what do you think'. We had a great laugh, you're so mad for yourself."

She added: "You always do that when people come over to the house, you make sure that somehow you are seen with no top on. It's the strangest thing, you do it all of the time."

Six celebrities will take to the dance floor for the Christmas special hoping to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas. Vogue is joined on the show by RuPaul Drag Race UK star Tayce, comedian Josh Widdicombe, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, EastEnders actorTamzin Outhwaite and racing driver Billy Monger.