Laura Whitmore pulls out of tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing HOURS before the live show
The blonde beauty has been pulled out of the show on medical grounds after falling ill
LAURA Whitmore has announced that she will NOT be competing on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing - less than two hours before the show goes on air.
The TV presenter was supposed to be performing a jive on tonight's show alongside her partner Giovanni Pernice but damaged her ankle in training.
After having it looked over by doctors, it was determined she was unable to continue.
Laura broke the news on her Twitter page with a statement titled "absolutely devastated" which read: "It was a decision taken out of my hands.
"If it was my choice, I'd be on the dance floor doing my jive with Gio. This was by far my favourite dance.
"We all train really hard. All of us dancing, have aches and pains and I didn't realise the severity of my injury until it was too late. I am sorry to let you all down.
"My priority is to follow doctors orders to get myself on my feet again without permanent damage and do the thing I love most, dancing!
She ended the statement by saying: "Thanks to all my fellow contestants for the support they have given me in the last 24 hours."
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A Strictly representative said: "Laura Whitmore will not perform on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the week.
"She has been checked by a doctor and the medical team on site and they have advised that she rests her ankle and does not dance this weekend."
Strictly bosses have also said that Giovanni and Laura will receive a bye through to next week and the show will continue with a public vote as per usual, adding they wished Laura a very speedy recovery."
Laura had foreshadowed her injury four days ago after complaining on Twitter that "her feet were on fire" and her Gio had to carry her, adding: "I can't feel my toes!"
But now it appears that the injury was worse than originally suspected and has ruled her out for this weeks.
Giovanni and Laura were meant to be dancing a jive to Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson.
Laura's exit from tonight's show is the second loss to tonight's performance after professional dancer Brendan Cole was also forced to pull out because of ill health.
His dance partner Anastacia will instead dance with Gorka 'The Corker' Marquez, who previously danced on this year's show with Tameka Empson.
Catch Strictly Come Dancing, tonight at 6.30pm on BBC1.
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