Injured Jamie Laing Pulls Out

Jamie Laing has been forced to pull out of Strictly due to injury.

In a statement issued yesterday, Jamie said: "I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor! I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Jamie will be featured in tomorrow's launch show, which was recorded last week.

It's a shame. He was one of the few that I didn't have to Google! I hope he gets the chance to take part next year instead. I was looking forward to seeing what he could do.

This is the first time that anyone has pulled out of the show before the start. There have been several who have pulled out during the series either due to injury, or for personal reasons. It may have left the BBC in disarray, as the statement issued simply said: "Further information will be issued in due course."

It will be interesting to see what happens next. Do they find an alternative celebrity? Would that person get a week 1 bye, as they would be a week or so behind the others? Or do they stick with the 14 celebrities they have, and settle for a 3-way final?

I suspect there won't be any announcement until the launch show has gone out. If they have decided what to do, they can then make an announcement as a post-script to the show.