This year’sStrictly Come Dancinghas become infamous – not for dazzling performances, but for a relentless wave of misfortune. Fans have dubbed it the ‘cursed’ series, and with each passing week, the list of injured and withdrawing celebrities grows longer, casting a shadow over the competition.
The first to depart was Kristian Nairn, beloved for his role as Hodor inGame of Thrones. Just days after his announcement, doctors advised him against participating, citing stress and grief that had begun to manifest physically, triggering concerning vital signs. He spoke openly about needing to prioritize his well-being, a decision that paved the way for Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who has since become a strong contender.
The setbacks continued swiftly. TV personality Dani Dyer suffered a fractured ankle during rehearsals with her partner, Nikita Kuzmin. A seemingly minor fall quickly revealed a serious injury, forcing her withdrawal and opening the door for Welsh Love Island star Amber Davies to join the competition at the last minute. Dyer expressed her heartbreak, acknowledging the devastating impact on herStrictlydreams.
Neighbours star Stefan Dennis faced his own challenge, initially battling illness before a more significant injury struck. After briefly returning to the competition, he tragically tore his calf muscle during a Charleston routine. The injury was severe enough to prevent his return, and a concerning risk of deep-vein thrombosis complicated his travel plans back to Australia.
Just when it seemed the worst might be over, drag artist La Voix sustained a bone bruise in the lead-up to the Blackpool show. Despite a recent resurgence in scoring, La Voix and partner Aljaz Skorjaneic were forced to withdraw, leaving a noticeable void in the competition. The announcement during the Blackpool live show confirmed the unfortunate end to theirStrictlyjourney.
The drama didn’t end there. During the Blackpool show, concerns arose for Alex Kingston, with her daughter revealing she had performed with a dislocated rib. Viewers noticed Kingston wincing in pain during her dance, fueling speculation about a potential withdrawal. Kingston quickly addressed the rumors, assuring fans it was a minor injury, a part of the demanding nature of high-level competition.
As the series progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the grand finale will even have enough contestants to complete. The ‘cursed’ season ofStrictlycontinues to test the resilience of its participants, leaving fans bracing for what unforeseen challenges may lie ahead.
