Tony Adams leaves Strictly after sustaining an injury

Tony Adams has withdrawn from 'Strictly Come Dancing' after sustaining an injury.

The 56-year-old footballer had been taking part in the BBC Latin and ballroom competition with professional partner Katya Jones but was unable to take part in the dance off on Saturday (12.11.22) so withdrew from the competition, meaning that fellow bottom two couple Tyler West and Dianne Buswell went straight through to the Blackpool Tower heat of the competition next week.

Host Tess Daly explained on Sunday's results show: “Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance-off and has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means there will be no dance off tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool.”

Just before leaving the stage, Tony remarked that he had been on an "emotional journey" on the show and urged others to speak out about their mental health because he "cried for the first month" of the competition but has "learned so much" about himself.

He said: "It’s been emotional guys, I cried for the first month. I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help. Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ rubbish was nonsense, but my god the rollercoaster of emotion. I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough,

physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn’t I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”

On Saturday's show, Tony and Katya scored a total of 24 following their performance of the Jive to 'Land of a Thousand Dances' and upon his exit, head judge Shirley Ballas described Tony as one of the "nation's favourite entertainers" as she congratulated him on his eight-week run in the competition.

She said: "Tony, from the very first moment you stepped foot on the floor with your tango, to the last moment and the last kick, you have given us 100% of your heart. You have grown week after week after week, you have become one of the nation’s favourite entertainers. On behalf of the judges, we’ve enjoyed watching every second, you are truly what this show is all about, and we can only wish you the very best as you move forward. Please carry on dancing, carry on entertaining people, because you are a star. Well done.”

'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on Saturday 19 November at 6.30pm with the results show airing the next day at 7:15pm on BBC One.