Strictly Come Dancing has revealed an alteration to its festive lineup this year as one of the dancers was left injured.
The show confirmed that Carlos Gu, originally set to feature in the Christmas special, has had to withdraw following an ankle injury. He was lined up to dance with television host Vogue Williams, who is among the early names announced for the holiday showdown, aiming for the coveted Christmas Glitterball trophy.
Gorka Marquez will now step into his dancing shoes to partner with Vogue, who expressed her eagerness to hit the dance floor despite joking about her own dancing prospects.
A spokesperson for Strictly said: “Unfortunately, professional dancer, Carlos Gu, has sustained an ankle injury so is unable to participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special alongside contestant Vogue Williams. Fellow professional dancer, Gorka Marquez will be stepping in for him and dancing with Vogue. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Vogue shared her enthusiasm about joining the seasonal edition of the show. She said at the time: “I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best! I’m loving it so far, bring on the Ballroom floor.”
Other celebrities joining the festive line-up include comedian Josh Widdicombe, Drag artist Tayce, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who fans will known as Nitro, along with actress Tamzin Outhwaite and Billy Monger from Race Across The World.
The update comes in the wake of the news that Strictly professional dancer Amy Dowden had to withdraw from the current series due to an injury. Initially paired with JB Gill, her absence has now led to Lauren Oakley stepping into her dancing shoes.
A previous statement revealed: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner. The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
Elaborating further, a representative for Dowden said: “Amy is hoping to be able to dance again on Strictly before the end of the series. It is a different injury to the one she had a year ago. It’s the same foot but a different bone. It’s just terribly bad luck. She did it during training, it was one of those things, nobody’s fault, but it got worse over the next few days.”