BBC Strictly star forced to pull out of show due to injury as replacement confirmed
BBC Strictly star Carlos Gu will miss the popular dance show’s Christmas special due to an ankle injury.
The 31-year-old will be replaced by fellow professional dancer Gorka Marquez for the show’s festive special.
Gu was due to be partnered with presenter Vogue Willaims but will miss out on a chance to be crowned Christmas champion.
“Unfortunately, professional dancer, Carlos Gu, has sustained an ankle injury so is unable to participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special,” confirmed a spokesperson for Strictly.
The statement said: “Fellow professional dancer, Gorka Márquez will be stepping in for him and dancing with Vogue. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
The injury will come as another blow to the 31-year-old dancer who was reportedly frustrated to have not been partnered with a celebrity for this year’s main show.
Insiders claimed Gu’s disappointment had led to a rift forming with fellow dancer and childhood friend Nancy Xu, who had been partnered with Shayne Ward.
Williams, who has previously taken part in Dancing with the Stars, had announced she was: “So excited to join the Strictly family.”
She added: “Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best!”
“I’m loving it so far. Bring on the Ballroom floor,” the 39-year-old declared as reported by Digital Spy.
William’s new partner Gorka Marquez danced with TV doctor Punam Krishan on the 2024 series and performed reasonably well – being eliminated during Halloween Week.
Marquez, while never lifting the Glitterball Trophy, has reached the Strictly final several times previously.
Five other celebrities will team up with pro dancers for the Christmas special this year.
Racing driver and presenter Billy Monger will dance with Nadiya Bychkova, while actor Tamzin Outhwaite will be partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.
Former Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will perform with Nancy Xu and Comedian Josh Widdicombe with Karen Hauer.
Tayce will make history as Strictly’s first drag act contestant, dancing with Kai Widdrington.
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Strictly’s 2023 Christmas special champion Jamie Borthwick rode the momentum of that win to success on this year’s series, reaching Musicals Week.
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