Shirley Ballas has explained further why La Voix has been forced to pull out of this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special.
The drag performer, real name Christopher Dennis, had been dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec and recently impressed judges with a Couple’s Choice routine to Don’t Rain On My Parade.
On Tuesdat, the BBC confirmed La Voix had been “advised by doctors to rest” and would miss the shows up north. Under Strictly rules, the pair will receive a bye through to next week.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race icon told fans it was “with immense sadness” they were withdrawing, adding: “Due to an injury, I’ve been advised that I’m unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue.
They said their priority is recovery so they can return to the competition as soon as possible.
Speaking on ITV’s Loose Women, Ms Ballas said the 54-year-old was “absolutely gutted” to miss the event.
“She did have an injury last week but this week it’s gotten worse and the doctor has said she absolutely needs to rest it,” the head judge explained.
Ms Ballas added performing at Blackpool had been La Voix’s main ambition.
La Voix, a drag performer, is paired with Aljaž Škorjanec
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PA
“The one thing she wanted from the very beginning… ‘I want to make Blackpool.’ That was her dream, that was her goal.”
She added the entire judging panel had been looking forward to seeing what the two would bring to the famous ballroom.
Despite missing out, La Voix will support the remaining contestants from home.
Ms Ballas said she had been in touch with La Voix and described the mood as “very sad” but hopeful.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said La Voix was ‘absolutely gutted’
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BBCThe announcement has triggered debate among fans, with many calling for recently eliminated Vicky Pattison to be brought back into the competition.
“Let Vicky come back to dance,” one urged on Instagram, while another pleaded with producers to “bend the rules”.
Some argued it would restore the possibility of four finalists, but others pushed back, noting Ms Pattison “got voted out for a reason”, warning against disrupting the format.
Another proposal circulating is no one should be eliminated this week, allowing the competition to level out without reinstating any contestant.
Ms Pattison was voted out last weekend after a dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, with both scoring 27 points.
She had been partnered with Kai and said she felt she had “won” simply by being paired with him.
Friends of the former Geordie Shore star have since said she was “heartbroken” to miss the chance to perform in Blackpool.
This weekend’s Blackpool special will go ahead with six remaining couples competing on the iconic Tower Ballroom floor.
The episodes will also feature performances from Lewis Capaldi and Steps, plus appearances from former finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams.