Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have addressed contestant Kym Marsh's absence from tonight's show.
Earlier this week it was announced that the actress would not be competing on Saturday alongside her dancing partner Graziano Di Prima but would return to the competition next week, providing that all was well.
Strictly confirmed that the former Coronation Street star had tested positive for Covid-19 and would therefore not dance in week 10 of the competition. A spokesperson for the BBC show said that "all being well, they will return the following week."
Read more: Strictly's Kym Marsh breaks social media silence ahead of absence from tonight's BBC show
Opening tonight's show Tess and Claudia said they knew Kym would be watching and wished that she would get well soon. And the audience clapped and cheered for Kym as the presenters addressed viewers about her absence.
Tess said: "Kym and Graziano are not with us tonight. Kym has tested positive for Covid and is resting at home.
"All being well she and Graziano will be back to dance again next week."
Claudia added: "Kym, we know you're watching. Everybody in here, we are sending you so much love."
The pair scored 33 out of 40 for their Paso Doble last week at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Sharing a photo of the pair at last week's show, Graziano took to Instagram earlier this week to assure fans that the couple would be back.
The dancer shared the picture of the pair in Blackpool to his Instagram story with the caption "We will be back, stronger than before" followed by a red heart emoji.
While Kym is yet to address fans directly about her absence, the 46-year-old did share a post on Instagram ahead of tonight’s show to wish her daughter Emilie a happy birthday. In the post she thanked her daughter for making Graziano welcome in her home and her life.
Sharing a number of photos of her and Emilie, Kym wrote: "25 years!!!!! 25 years since you made our worlds a brighter place to be!
"You are and always have been our sunshine! You always loved every second of life! Like a little whirlwind of fun sweeping through every room you walked into. You still are.
"You draw people to you, you make people smile, you make people angry too hahah but you are one of the funniest and kindest people I know! You have such a good heart Emilie.
"You would absolutely turn yourself inside out to help others and I know that only too well of late especially.
"I won't ever forget the love and constant support you have given to me, particularly these last few months, whether that's helping take care of Polly while I work, calling into rehearsals late at night with treats to cheer me up cos you know I'm tired, or cooking endless meals for me and @grazianodiprima and making him welcome in your home and your life.
"You are a wonderful mummy, those babies are so so lucky to have you to guide them through their lives. You're a fantastic sister, always there for David and Polly whenever they may need you.
"An amazing friend, and this I know first hand because you are my BEST friend, the laughs and the tears we have shared are ones I will carry with me always.
"There are so many wonderful things can say about you, but I would be here all night, so I will end with this....Emilie I am so very proud to call you my daughter. You are one hell of a woman!!
"So here's to you baby girl! Happy birthday. Love you so much always and forever XXX"
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