Strictly Come Dancing was shaken by an unexpected and emotional twist on Saturday night, as fan-favourite performer La Voix was forced to withdraw from the show — just hours before one of the most iconic episodes of the series: Blackpool Tower Week.

The Drag Race star, 45, known off-stage as Christopher Dennis, had been preparing for this weekend’s glitter-filled extravaganza when a worsening foot injury abruptly ended her Strictly journey.

What was meant to be a celebration of showmanship and sparkle quickly became one of the most bittersweet nights in Strictly history.

A glittering Blackpool — overshadowed by sad news

The episode opened with a sense of occasion, as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped onto the legendary ballroom floor in two breathtaking gowns — their last ever Blackpool Week after confirming they will leave Strictly at the end of the season.

But just minutes later, the audience fell silent as Tess delivered the announcement fans had been dreading:

La Voix had been pulled from the competition on medical grounds.

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Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix has been forced to pull out of the competition, it was announced during Blackpool Tower Week on Saturday

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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman dazzled in stunning ballgowns for their last ever Blackpool Week – after the duo announced they are leaving the show after the end of this series

The drag queen was seen sitting quietly in the front row, watching the show she loves unfold without her — a striking image that set social media alight with sympathy and frustration.

In a rare move, producers revealed that no celebrity would be eliminated this week, with all scores rolling over — a decision met with gasps from the ballroom and relief from the remaining couples.

“This isn’t the exit I imagined” — La Voix breaks her silence

Soon after the broadcast, La Voix released a heartfelt Instagram statement:

“I’m absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from Strictly.
This isn’t the glittering exit I imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I’ve let people down.
My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot had other ideas.”

She thanked fans for “every cheer, every vote, every sparkle of support,” promising to cherish the experience forever.

Inside the injury that ended her Strictly dream

Earlier in the week, La Voix explained on It Takes Two that the pain began during her foxtrot:

A “niggle” in her foot quickly worsened

She struggled to stay balanced in heels and was forced into flat shoes

Doctors later confirmed a deep bone bruise at the joint of her toe

Continuing to dance risked a stress fracture — meaning six to eight weeks in a boot

Faced with the possibility of a broken foot, La Voix and the Strictly medical team agreed she had no choice but to bow out.

She later told fans she was headed for an MRI as her castmates traveled to Blackpool:

“Everyone is on their way to the ballroom… and I’m on my way to a scan.
It’s heartbreaking, but the Strictly physio and medical team have been amazing.”

The show goes on — with unforgettable performances

Despite the emotional start, the evening delivered all the passion and spectacle Blackpool is known for:

Lewis Cope & Katya Jones kicked things off with a show-stealing Charleston, earning Lewis his second perfect 40 of the season.

Balvinder Sopal staged a fierce comeback with her highest score yet.

Amber Davies endured boos aimed at Craig Revel Horwood, but still scored 36.

Karen Carney & Carlos Gu ignited the ballroom with a thunderous paso doble, landing 39 points.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe impressed with a sultry Couple’s Choice.

George Clarke finished the night with a vibrant salsa that left Shirley Ballas saying it was “a new day, a new George.”

Blackpool also featured a glitter-packed performance from Steps, who brought the crowd to its feet with a medley of their hits.

A chapter ends — and another begins

With Lewis topping the leaderboard, and Karen and George tied for second, the competition is tighter than ever.

But the night ultimately belonged to La Voix — not for a performance, but for the grace, humour, and spirit she brought to the ballroom.

Her Strictly journey may have been cut short, but fans agree:
she left the stage with dignity, heart, and plenty of sparkle.