Laura Whitmore told ‘perform and risk permanent damage’ before pulling out of Strictly Come Dancing
The TV presenter was left devastated after being told that she couldn't perform- but risked damaging her foot permanently if she did.
LAURA Whitmore didn't perform on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing after she was told that she risked permanent damage if she went through with the performance.
The 31-year-old TV presenter, who was supposed to dance a Jive to Reet Petite with Giovanni Pernice on the show, was forced to pull out at the last minute after damaging her foot.
A source has revealed to The Sun Online that she originally hurt her foot during rehearsals for Strictly on Monday, but powered through rehearsals.
After seeing numerous doctors, she was eventually warned that if she did go through with the show, she could risk damaging her foot permanently.
Laura's agent said: "She was devastated she couldn't perform but she didn't really have a choice but to not do it. It wasn't worth it."
LATEST FROM TV & SHOWBIZ
After she was sent home from the show to recover, dance partner Gio spoke to Claudia Winkleman and sent her well-wishes to her speedy recovery.
He said: “All of us we are missing you tonight and I hope you are well. Get rest and looking forward to the next week. It’ll be a different dance so…” before blowing her a kiss on behalf of the team.
Laura announced that she wouldn't be performing on the show by posting a statement on Twitter titled "completely devastated".
It 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.”
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 week.
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.
Catch Strictly Come Dancing results, Sunday at 6.30pm on BBC1.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 0207 782 4220