Strictly’s Will Bayley WON’T be replaced and only THREE couples will compete in final

Issy Sampson

Published: 13:58, 31 Oct 2019
Updated: 14:10, 31 Oct 2019

STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses won’t replace Will Bayley after he was forced to quit the show with a knee injury.

Insiders confirm to The Sun Online that bosses won’t put another celebrity on the dancefloor as it’s too late in the process – and will instead only have three couples in the final, not four.

Will had been impressing on the dance floor with partner Janette Manrara up until his injury — Will had been impressing on the Strictly dance floor with partner Janette Manrara up until his injuryCredit: BBC

Will was in tears yesterday as he announced he was leaving the competition after injuring himself in rehearsals.

The paralympian, paired with Janette Manrara, issued a statement saying: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.

“I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.

“The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life."

Will Bayley is 'gutted' after suffering a knee injury in Strictly rehearsals

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Will broke down in tears discussing his exit on It Takes Two this evening — Will broke down in tears discussing his exit on Strictly: It Takes TwoCredit: refer to caption.

Will Bayley discusses leaving Strictly after his knee injury on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two

The painful injury, believed to be a torn knee ligament, is the second forced withdrawal this year after Made in Chelsea Jamie Laing pulled out before the series had even begun, with Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher taking his place.

We told yesterday how Will, 31, had a final consultation with doctors today after landing awkwardly during a jump.

But experts decided he would not recover in time or be able to put in the 12 hours minimum weekly training celebrities are contractually required to do for the BBC1 show.

His partner Janette said: “Absolutely devastated that Will and I will not be able to continue dancing. We made some incredible memories that I will never forget, and I am pleased to have shared them with such an inspirational person whom I can now call a friend for life.”

The Paralympian sobbed after being shown his 'best bits' from the seriesCredit: refer to caption.

Janette wiped the tears from Will's eyes in touching scenesCredit: refer to caption.

And the show’s executive producer Sarah James added: “We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show.

"He is an incredible and talented person who has brought us some unforgettable moments this series - in particular his powerful and moving couples choice routine.

"He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday, BBC1 at 7pm.

Will Bayley discusses leaving Strictly after his knee injury on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two

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