STRICTLY SHOCK: LA VOIX WITHDRAWS AS ALEX KINGSTON SUFFERS INJURY

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing has delivered another dramatic weekend of highs, heartbreaks, and unexpected setbacks, as not one but two celebrities have faced devastating injuries. In an emotional moment that left viewers and judges stunned, La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition, while fan-favourite actress Alex Kingston is now fighting to remain in the show after reportedly dancing with a dislocated rib.

Drag performer La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, appeared on the Blackpool special on Sunday evening, where she spoke tearfully about her abrupt departure. Despite fighting every instinct to stay in the competition, she was advised on medical grounds to end her Strictly journey after injuring her foot during rehearsals earlier in the week.

Calling Strictly the most “extraordinary experience” of her career, La Voix expressed gratitude not only to the judges and production team but also to viewers across the country who had embraced her with warmth and enthusiasm. “I came into the show as a minority, as a redhead, and you’ve all embraced me wonderfully,” she said, her voice breaking as she reflected on her journey. “I cannot thank you enough… this is not how I wanted my journey to end.” Ever the entertainer, she managed to slip in a final joke: “At least it gives someone else in this competition a chance to win.”

Her professional partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, praised both Christopher and La Voix, calling the experience “a gift.” He added, “I’ve been lucky this year. I’ve made two friends for life. On Saturdays and Sundays we all laugh with La Voix, and from Monday to Friday I had the best time with Chris.” Their warm friendship has been one of the highlights of the series, making the exit all the more heartbreaking for devoted Strictly fans.

An emotional La Voix fought back tears as she said goodbye to Strictly, withdrawing from the competition due to injury Credit: BBC

But the emotional rollercoaster didn’t end there. In another twist, Alex Kingston, best known for Doctor Who and ER, is now raising concerns after her daughter revealed online that the actress danced her Couple’s Choice routine while suffering from a rib injury. Paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, Alex delivered a powerful performance on Saturday night, earning an impressive 35 points from the judges.

Strictly posted a short clip of the routine on Instagram, where Alex’s daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel, left a comment that shocked viewers:
“So so proud!!! Slayed the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!!!”

Fans flooded the comments with support and disbelief. One wrote: “Your mum is a superstar, please send her my love and healing thoughts. Really hope it doesn’t hamper her from continuing, she has my votes every week!” Another added: “She did amazingly with an injury! Hope she recovers enough to continue.” A third commented: “Sending your mum all our love. What an amazing woman, powering through the pain like that! We love our Queenston!”

Salome Violetta Haertel, 24, commented under the clip: “So, so proud! Slayed the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!” -  Credit Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire

Despite the injury, Alex currently sits second-to-last on the leaderboard, placing even more pressure on her recovery. The BBC has yet to confirm whether she will be able to continue in the competition, but insiders say she is determined to perform if medically cleared.

With La Voix’s exit now confirmed and Alex Kingston’s future uncertain, Strictly fans are bracing themselves for another tense week ahead. As the competition heats up and the pressure mounts, this year’s series is proving that anything can happen, both on and off the dancefloor.