Laura Whitmore will unfortunately be unable to perform in tonight's episode of Strictly Come Dancing after sustaining an ankle injury in rehearsals, a spokesperson for the hit BBC show has confirmed to HELLO! online.
The presenter, 31, has been given an automatic pass to the next week as a result.
Laura and her partner Giovanni Pernice will get a 'bye' into next week
The spokesperson said: "Laura Whitmore will not perform on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the week.
"She has been checked by a doctor and the medical team on site and they have advised that she rests her ankle and does not dance this weekend. As per the rules of Strictly Come Dancing - because Laura and Giovanni cannot dance on tonight’s show - they will receive a bye through to next week and the show will continue with a public vote as per usual. We wish Laura a very speedy recovery."
Laura took to Twitter to release a statement about her injury
The presenter took to Twitter to release her own statement, writing: "Absolutely devastated. It was a decision taken out of my hands. If it was my choice, I'd be on the dance floor doing my jive with Gio. This was by far my favourite dance. We all train really hard. All of us dancing have aches and pains and I didn't realise the severity of my injury until it was too late. I'm sorry to let you all down."
Fans have taken to Twitter to wish the presenter a speedy recovery, with one writing: "Sending a huge hug to @thewhitmore for a speedy recovery. Your health is always more important and I know you'll dance tons more!"
"Sorry to hear @thewhitmore has an injury & cant do her jive with @pernicegiovann1 it looked so good too! Rest up Laura & see u next wk," another added.
Laura's not the only fan favourite to be missing the show tonight. As HELLO! online reported earlier, Brendan Cole will also be absent.
Laura joins Strictly pro Brendan Cole in missing out on performing this week
The star, who is currently partnered with singer Anastacia on the hit BBC show, is still suffering from a chest infection that sent him to A&E last week.
In a statement posted onto his website, Brendan wrote: "Annoyingly, I'm still not 100 percent (although I do feel much better compared to how I felt earlier in the week). So I am to continue resting for a couple more days in the hope I am fighting fit ready for Monday to gear up for next week's Halloween show (my favourite of the series)."
