Holly Valance and her partner Artem Chigvintsev were delighted when they notched up a score of 34 out of 40 during this weekend's Strictly – the second highest mark of the night.But what makes their fancy-footed efforts extra impressive is the fact Artem was jiving away with a fractured spine.
The 29-year-old, who was last year's victor with former EastEnders actress Kara Tointon, suffered the injury last Friday during rehearsals. Initially diagnosed as a strained muscle, it wasn't until Monday that medical results revealed the condition - a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine. Artem may have to pull out of this weekend's show.Former Neighbours actress Holly, 28, is now training with Brendan Cole, who could perform with her this weekend, after his celebrity partner, Lulu, was voted off. A BBC spokesperson said: "Artem injured himself during rehearsals on Friday. "Following medical attention, he has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine. "We have been told that this sort of fracture is completely stable and he has been advised that there is no untoward effect from him continuing to dance. "We will, of course, continue to review this following medical advice over the course of the week." Artem, who became romantically involved with Kara following last year's show, wrote on Twitter: "Thank you for all your get well wishes."
