Nigel Harman WILL be back for Strictly final as BBC hit back at claims his exit sparked ‘relief’ among co-stars

Nigel Harman is set to return for the Strictly Come Dancing live final after he quit the show ‘due to medical reasons’ just hours before Saturday’s show.

The actor, 50, who had been taking part in the competition alongside professional partner Katya Jones , 34, was forced to pull out after trying to perform a stunt in rehearsals, which left him with a rib injury. 

It was since claimed that the Strictly crew are ‘relieved’ following his exit, as it was reported that the Casualty star would often have ‘mood swings’.

In response to the claims, a BBC source hit back by saying: ‘It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained.

‘Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December.’

Nigel Harman is set to return for the Strictly Come Dancing live final after he quit the show ‘due to medical reasons’ just hours before Saturday’s show

The actor, 50, who had been taking part in the competition alongside professional partner Katya Jones , 34, was forced to pull out after trying to perform a stunt in rehearsals, which left him with a rib injury

Nigel was previously spotted storming off the dance floor after receiving a disappointing score for his performance in Blackpool.

A source told The Sun how the actor ‘takes himself very seriously’ as a performer and throws himself into his routines fully.

Going on to say: ‘So obviously he’s very emotional if things don’t go as he hoped. That often means that he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage.

‘Viewers got a glimpse of that when he received disappointing scores for their quickstep in Blackpool’.

Before adding: ‘The crew and pros on the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcomed into that. But if someone upsets that long-standing dynamic it can create bad feeling’.

Nigel and Katya’s routine to Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean A Thing left them second from bottom of the judges’ leaderboard in Blackpool, with a score of 31 points out of 40.

A source said: ‘The crew and pros on the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcomed into that. But if someone upsets that long-standing dynamic it can create bad feeling’

In a video shared to social media, Nigel could be seen swiftly exiting the dancefloor, just seconds after the BBC cameras stopped shooting.

Katya appeared confused and briefly stood still before following, while other contestants happily danced and hugged.

The audience member who shared the video to Twitter also wrote: ‘Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves? Nigel’s been broken tonight, couldn’t even face the keep dancing once theme & cameras stopped.

Taken away someone’s love of dance & confidence should not be what show is about.’

MailOnline have contacted Nigel’s representatives at the time.

The couple both appeared on Saturday’s show where Nigel told how he hurt his rib during a jump in rehearsals.

Nigel was previously spotted storming off the dance floor after receiving a disappointing score for his performance in Blackpool 

He said: ‘I was about to be caught by some very handsome men but when I landed, I’ve done something to my rib. I’m a little high on painkillers.’

Asked by host Claudia Winkleman if he had enjoyed his time on the show, Nigel said: ‘Oh I’ve loved it, I’ve loved it. This hasn’t really sunk in.

‘When I was watching everyone coming down the stairs, it was real that I’m not part of it anymore.’

Katya was full of praise for Nigel’s hard work on the show and looked emotional at the thought of them no longer getting to perform together.

She said: ‘I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor.

‘I know the reasons he did this were for your daughter and your parents and I know your parents will be very proud of you. I hope you’ve got something out of this that you will cherish forever in your broken rib.’

The couple both appeared on Saturday’s show where Nigel told how he hurt his rib during a jump in rehearsals 

He said: ‘I was about to be caught by some very handsome men but when I landed, I’ve done something to my rib. I’m a little high on painkillers’

Nigel replied: ‘The only reason I’m standing here is because of all the work you’ve put in. You challenge me, you push me, you support me. Most of all, you’re just part of me now.’ Becoming emotional, he added: ‘I can’t even look at you!’

He and Katya were due to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins as part of the programme’s ‘musicals week.’

Nigel’s exit from the show comes a week after ‘steamy’ photographs emerged of him and Katya practising their moves of their steamy Rumba routine at a North London studio.

‘When I was watching everyone coming down the stairs, it was real that I’m not part of it anymore.’

Strictly Come Dancing: The Semi-Final airs Saturday at 7.25pm on BBC One. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

Ellie Leach 

Age: 22

Profession:  Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Bobby Brazier 

Age: 20

Profession:  EastEnders star and model 

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’

Annabel Croft 

Age: 57 

Profession:  Broadcaster and ex tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’

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