Strictly Come Dancing's Nigel Harman has broken his silence on his exit from the show.
A BBC statement confirmed the former EastEnders star had left this season's battle to win the Glitterball. The 50-year-old appeared in tonight's episode to clarify why he left as he shared details of his painful injury.
He said: "I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men. As I flew, I was Peter Pan and as I landed I was in A&E. I've done something to my ribs and it's a little bit painful.
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"I'm a little bit high on painkillers as well but I'm having a lovely time." Nigel explained that it only sunk in as the remaining couples made their entrance on tonight's episode as he heaped praise on the Strictly journey.
He said: "When I watched everyone come down the stairs, I thought this is real. I'm not a part of this anymore and that was quite sad.
"I've been avoiding Katya [Jones] all day because that makes it really real as well." Nigel was paired with Katya and she gave an emotional tribute to her dance partner.
She said: "It's quite hard to talk right now. I'm not going to lie. I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic….I hope you've got something out of this that you will cherish forever and your broken rib."
Nigel was in visible pain as he laughed, which prompted an apology from Katya. She shot back: "Sorry for making you laugh."
Nigel paid tribute to his partner as he said: "The only reason I'm standing here is because all the work you've put into me. You turn up to work everyday with hundreds of ideas. You challenge me, you make me laugh. Most of all you are just part of me now."
Tess Daly issued a tribute to Nigel at the end of the segment as she said: "We are so sorry Nigel, we're really going to miss you so much."
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