Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and professionals have severely damaged themselves over the years.
This year's Strictly has gone all out with one of its biggest star-studded casts to date as it celebrates its 20th year. The BBC pulled Coronation Street stars, Paralympians, Loose Women panellists and comedians together to be in with the chance of lifting the glitterball trophy.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly return to hosting duties alongside the esteemed panel of judges - Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas. Several past contestants including presenter Ranvir Singh have sent their best to this year's competitors but warned of the strain it will put them under.
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Over the years, multiple professionals and celebrities have pushed themselves too far and suffered serious injuries as a result. In lesser cases, stars pulled a few muscles but some accidents have led to them having to pull out of the competition entirely.
Jade Johnson
Olympian Jade Johnson had to leave the show in series seven after sustaining an injury during a dress rehearsal. The long jumper said she heard her knee “pop” as she tried to get up which stopped her from performing for two weeks and eventually forced her to quit.
In an interview with The Mirror, Jade revealed the injury was lasting and even cost her a place in the 2012 Olympics. She said: "The pain was excruciating. I never thought it would come back all these years later.
“I thought the show injury had healed and I was ready to compete. Sadly it flared up just before the trials and made it impossible to get through them.”
Jamie Laing
In a Strictly first, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing had to pull out of the show in 2019 before it had even started. The reality TV regular was strongly advised to quit by doctors after he badly damaged a tendon in his right foot after landing awkwardly during a dance.
“Devastated” Jamie was later spotted hobbling around on crutches and wearing a foot brace. The 33-year-old was able to compete the following year and landed himself a place in the finals, losing out to comic Bill Bailey who is Strictly's oldest ever winner.
Will Bayley
Gold medal-winning Paralympian Will Bayley was the second star to quit the 2019 show after Jamie Laing. The athlete had to be rushed to hospital after suffering a freak injury during training at Elstree Studios.
Will badly twisted his ankle in rehearsals for the Halloween special show as he jumped off a raised stage. It was really bad timing as table tennis champion Will had reached the final with partner Janette Manrara.
At the time, he said: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.
"The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Denise van Outen
Ever the professional, TV and theatre star Denise van Outen vowed to “dance through the pain” when she competed on Strictly in 2012. The telly presenter revealed she “couldn’t move her neck” after sustaining whiplash during an energetic jive with dance partner James Jordan.
Denise said: “I'm still in pain but with the adrenaline and my nerves I'll probably forget about it. It's such a brilliant routine when it's done properly!" At one point it was “touch and go” whether she would be able to carry on, but Denise went on to gain a place in the final, finishing runner-up to Olympic gymnast Louis Smith
James Jordan
While his partner Denise van Outen got whiplash, professional dancer James Jordan had to make his Strictly Come Dancing debut with a broken nose the same year.
It came after James’ dancer wife Ola accidentally kicked him in the face as they practised a group dance for the show.
Taking to Twitter, the Strictly team said: “James Jordan’s bonce has been broken by his own wife!” Ola later added: “I’m so so sorry @The_JamesJordan, I feel so bad!!!!" but luckily there was no lasting damage to James’ face.
Laura Whitmore
Laura Whitmore competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 but was forced to pull out due to an ankle injury. The Love Island presenter, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, missed a live show because of the mishap.
After recovering she remained in the competition until she was booted off in the dance-off with Ore Oduba. The TV star later blasted Strictly bosses for forcing her to “spend 12 hours a day” and attend red carpet events with Giovanni when all she wanted to do was dance.
Simon Rimmer
Simon Rimmer was ruled out of rehearsals in series 15 after taking a tumble during a dance-off. The Sunday Brunch chef told Strictly spin-off It Takes Two he had a thigh injury following the fall.
Speaking to then host Zoe Ball, he said: “I’ve got a bit of pain in my quad and my lovely physio Doug has strapped me up to keep the muscle in place to hopefully heal it and sort itself out.” He was able to continue in the competition, eventually being voted out fifth.
Artem Chigvintsev
Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev amazed viewers when it was revealed he continued to dance with partner Holly Valance despite a spine injury. Back in 2011, doctors told Artem he risked paralysing himself if he continued to dance.
In the end, Artem took a week off to recover from the injury, which was later found to affect his joint and soft tissue rather than the bone as first thought. Brendan Cole stepped in to dance with Holly, who made it to the semi-finals.
Anastasia
Anastasia has been open about suffering from breast cancer twice in her life – but when she appeared on Strictly series 14 things took a turn for the worst. The I’m Outta Love singer was forced to quit the show after tearing a cancer surgery scar from her double mastectomy.
It meant she and partner Brendan Cole couldn’t take part in the dance-off against Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara. Instead, it went to an audience vote and Melvin was voted off in a decision which resulted in a number of complaints and reportedly caused then judge Bruno Tonioli to threaten to quit.
Anastasia and Brendan eventually finished up in sixth place.
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