Tony Adams has handed in his dancing shoes and walked away from Strictly Come Dancing after claims he sustained an injury during Saturday night's show.
The Arsenal legend and pro-dance Katya Jones partner ended up in the dance-off against Tyler West and Dianne Buswell on Sunday night. It was then viewers at home were told of the 56-year-old's injury meaning that he was unable to perform, and that he had decided to quit the BBC programme.
Tess explained to viewers: "Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance off and has decided to withdraw from the competition. This means there will be no dance off tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool."
Paying tribute to Tony, Shirley said: "Tony, from the very first moment you stepped foot on the floor with your tango, to the last moment and the last kick, you have given us 100% of your heart.
"You have grown week after week after week, you have become one of the nation’s favourite entertainers. On behalf of the judges, we’ve enjoyed watching every second, you are truly what this show is all about, and we can only wish you the very best as you move forward.
"Please carry on dancing, carry on entertaining people, because you are a star. Well done.”
Asked about his time on the show, Tony said: "It’s been emotional guys, I cried for the first month. I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help.
"Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ rubbish was nonsense, but my god the rollercoaster of emotion. I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you.
"Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn’t I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”
Katya became emotional as she turned to Tony and told him: "Tony Adams, I will be forever grateful that I was partnered up with you, do you know what I loved? I loved us, I loved that we didn’t care what people thought, we did every single dance our way! You have come here with a message, you led by example, and put yourself out there, and showed everyone you can do anything.
"And everyone deserves love and to be loved! I love you."
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