It looks like Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jimmy Tarbuck will be reluctantly hanging up his dancing shoes due to ill health. The veteran comic had been putting in some fancy footwork with dance partner Flavia Cacace over the last five weeks, but friends believe he won't be returning to the show after complaining of feeling unwell.
Host Bruce Forsyth broke the news that the 66-year-old was feeling under the weather to the show's nine million viewers last week. "Unfortunately, Jimmy is feeling a bit poorly," explained the presenter. "I know he's watching, so we'd all like to say get well soon mate and we'd all like to see you tango-ing next week. "
An immediate return to any soft shoe shuffling for Jimmy looks unlikely, however, as he is reportedly suffering from high blood pressure. "Frankly it would be stupid to risk continuing after a scare like this," said a member of the BBC production team.
Despite pulling out of the dancing competition, the showbiz stalwart is expected to stay involved in the popular series, albeit on the sidelines.
Jimmy is not the only popular TV star to suffer a health scare in recent days. Chris Tarrant experienced heart palpitations while fishing with pals on the River Tweedwas just two days after celebrating his 60th birthday.
The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire presenter was checked into hospital overnight as a precaution but released the next day after doctors ran comprehensive tests.
"Both my mum and late dad had heart problems, and when I felt a flutter - which was obviously caused by my continuing stress-related lifestyle - I panicked," he told the Mirror. "I cannot tell you how relieved I am to be given the 100 per cent all clear," he added.
The popular presenter is currently being divorced by his wife Ingrid, after it was revealed that he'd had a long-term affair.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
