Fleur East has addressed her Strictly Fall drama after it was revealed she was allowed to repeat her dance-off performance following a props error.
The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola joined EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home.
However, it was later revealed that Fleur started dancing again after a horrific fall that saw her “fall” on her partner, with the moment not being aired or mentioned on the results show.
Drama: Fleur East has addressed her Strictly Fall drama after it was revealed she was allowed to repeat her dance-off performance following a props error
A spokesman for Strictly Come Dancing told Web: “Following an incident involving a prop at the start of Fleur and Vito’s dance performance, the decision has been made to drop proceedings to verify they have not been injured, and it has been done urgently.
“Since they had not started dancing prior to the incident, it was decided that they could resume performing once it was confirmed that they were capable of doing so.”
Now, Fleur and Vito have opened up about the controversy, explaining that she had a “bad fall” onto a chair within the opening seconds of the number.
Dance-off: The X Factor singer, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola joined EastEnders star James Bye, 38, and Amy Dowden in Sunday’s dreaded dance-off, with the actor eventually being sent home
Accident: However, it was later revealed that Fleur started dancing again after a horrific fall that saw her ‘crash’ her partner, although the moment was not broadcast or mentioned on the results show
Vito said on Thursday’s Loose Women: “Basically what happened is the first few seconds of our number, I just fell on the chair. Literally was a bad fall.
“Everyone gasped but I showed them I’m fine and I can start again so thanks – I’m fine, I’m here today so all good. Many Thanks.’
“It was about health and safety, wasn’t it? That’s why you did it again,” interjected Denise Welch.
Speaking up: Now, Fleur and Vito have opened up about the controversy, explaining that she had a “bad fall” onto a chair within the first few seconds of the number
Vito said, “We kept going because we always said to each other, ‘If anything happens, let’s just keep going, keep going’, and I was literally trying to get up and keep going, and when I turned around, she was spinning the wheel…’
Fleur said: “I was ready, I thought the show had to go on. And then the production decided to stop the music. We were like, “Oh, okay”.’
Elsewhere in the chat, Fleur spoke several times about being in the dance offs and said she wasn’t a “trained dancer.”
‘Heavy fall’: Vito told Loose Women on Thursday: ‘Basically that’s what happened, in the first few seconds of our number I just fell on the chair. Literally was a bad fall’
Fleur said: “It’s hard not to take it personally, but to tell you the truth, I’m not a trained dancer, no matter what anyone thinks.
“I’ve never been to a stage school. I don’t know what toe is, what heel is… [Vito] I’ll tell you, I don’t know anything about it.
She added: “I literally just winged it to be honest. The thing is, when you’re singing, you’re holding the mic. You control the vocals, you can’t really move to be honest.
Denial: Elsewhere in the chat, Fleur spoke several times about being in the dance-offs, saying that she wasn’t a “trained dancer”.
“It’s like smoke and mirrors — you have dancers behind you and if I’ve ever done a music video and I can’t get a dance move, they’re going to change it because I’m the singer. I’ve never had to do anything I can’t do.’
After both couples danced a second time amid the Halloween special, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke delivered their verdict, with all four deciding to save Fleur.
Loose Women weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub
STRICTLY COM DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM SWAMP
Age: 46
Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says, “I’m so happy they made it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’ll be watching from home in my pajamas and actually dancing in front of the judges in a glitter dress.
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says, “Being asked to join the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says, “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family, and I can’t wait to get some serious dancing on this shiny dance floor…with a side full of sequins.”
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Occupation: comedian
Ellie says, “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the allure of the sequins and the reputation of salsa make me trade in my battered old football boots for a pair of Strictly Soft shoes.”
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: actor
Will says: “I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what life is about. It’s my mom’s favorite show too and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing it for her too. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RAINFOORD
Age: 21
Profession: singer
Molly says, “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family who I’ll be sharing it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: singer
Fleur says, “I’m equally nervous and excited to be a part of this year’s Strictly line-up. I look forward to learning new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: wildlife cameraman and moderator
Hamza says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be on such a cool show.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio station
Helen says: “I’m really looking forward to embarking on a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.