Nigel Harman joked he had St John’s Ambulance “on standby” and would have been surprised if it was “still standing”, less than a day before he was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing.
The 50-year-old Casualty actor was preparing to perform a Mary Poppins ‘Charleston to Step in Time’ with his professional partner Katya Jones for the quarter-finals.
However, he was forced to pull out of the BBC dance competition for health reasons after sustaining an injury, which he said left him “really disappointed”.
Just hours earlier, Nigel had expressed his love of musicals during an appearance on It Takes Two on Friday and appeared to be in good spirits about the extravagant show.
He told presenter Fleur East: “I just love musicals, I love the singing and dancing and the heightened emotions that it all brings. “We’ve got this cracker this week, it’s full on showbiz.
Nigel Harman joked he had St John’s Ambulance “on standby” and would be surprised if it was “still standing” less than a day before he was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing
The 50-year-old Casualty actor was preparing to perform a Mary Poppins ‘Charleston to Step in Time’ with his professional partner Katya Jones for the quarter-finals
Nigel had even revealed his love for musicals ahead of the planned performance of Step in Time
He added: “There are jumps, there are stretchers and we fly around and I end up needing oxygen every time I do that. “It’s full on but it’s exciting.”
“I’m not going to lie, the rumba just fiddling around and moving my hips in a general direction with a couple of arms was lovely, maybe a bead of sweat.”
“This week St. John’s ambulance is on standby.”
Had Nigel stayed on the show and progressed to the next round, he would have made it to the semi-finals, suggesting he would have found it difficult to learn two exercises in one week.
He said, “Two dances in a week, I hear it’s possible, but I’m just going to go into it blind and pretend everything’s fine!”
During an appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch, Nigel also said he would be “impressed” if he was still standing after the difficult routine.
“Every time we finish this routine, I literally wear an oxygen mask for about five minutes. “If I’m still standing by the end of Saturday night, I’ll be impressed,” he said.
On the talk show, Katya had also joked about how she had taught Nigel to make his dances “dirtier”, while presenter Steph praised his exceptional dance moves.
She said: “He has this poise and elegance in his movements.” He’s always doing, even the rumba, which can be quite awkward for male celebrities; It looks so effortless and natural, so you either have it or you have it or you don’t, and he definitely has it.
During an appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch, Nigel also said he would be “impressed” if he was still standing after the difficult routine
Nigel reportedly missed Saturday morning’s training during his elimination after working “really hard” in rehearsals to secure a place in the final (pictured with Katya last week).
“But we tried to deconstruct it this week and I say ‘NO’.”
Nigel chimed in and said: “Basically I’ve been told I’m not dirty enough.” “I’m not dirty enough for this dance so I’m trying to make it dirty.”
But less than a day after those comments, Nigel – who was seen as bookmakers’ favorite to leave this week – left the show entirely after suffering an injury.
The BBC confirmed to Web: “Unfortunately Nigel has injured himself which means he cannot appear on the show tonight and has had to withdraw from Strictly.”
Nigel isn’t the only star to leave the 2023 series of Strictly after Amanda Abbington – who was dating Giovanni Pernice – exited for medical reasons in October.
Nigel reportedly missed training on Saturday morning following his elimination after working “really hard” in rehearsals to secure a place in the final.
A source told The Sun: “Nigel was not in training this morning and other dancers were informed later in the day. “He and Katya were really disappointed as they had hoped to stay in the competition.
“They weren’t in the final two and so had a real chance of making it to the final.”
“Nigel trained very hard and with a lot of passion right up until the rehearsals.”
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”