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Katya Jones was injured and forced to pull out of rehearsals(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Rehearsals for the new Strictly series didn’t get off to the best start last week after two fan favourites were unable to take part.
Katya Jones, 37, and ex-husband Neil, 44, were both injured and forced to pull out of rehearsals, it has been reported.
It came at the worst time for the former couple, as it also meant that they missed out on a number of pre-recorded group routines.
While they both returned to dancing on Friday, the damage could have already been done as it may jeopardise their chances of being paired with a celebrity. This will be particularly devastating for Neil, who didn’t get a partner last year.
A source told The Sun: “There was a real crisis on set when both Neil and Katya were injured at the same time and there were concerns they wouldn’t be able to recover in time for the series start in two weeks.”
They added that Katya and Neil were “gutted” to miss out on the group dances as it “guarantees screen time if they don’t get a partner, which Neil often doesn’t”.
The Mirror has reached out to the BBC for comment.
It comes after Strictly released its very first trailer on Saturday introducing the new hosts with as much glitz and glamour as expected.
High-octane from the off, fans were treated to energetic performances by the pro dancers down the backstage of Elstree as glitter was thrown in the air and chandeliers rolled into shot. The infamous Glitterball also made an appearance, with judge Craig Revel Horwood attempting to smash it with a sledge hammer while co-stars Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke showed off their dance skills.
The trailer concluded by introducing its brand news hosts Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, who held hands as they made their way down the brightly lit stairs. The trio are taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they quit the BBC show last year.
As part of a huge revamp, bosses also axed long-standing professionals, Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas in favour of new talent. While former Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor replaces Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
Sharing the trailer online, Strictly declared: “Let’s get this party started!”
Fans were ecstatic, flocking to the comments to share their thoughts, with one writing: “So, so excited for this to start, I literally look forward to strictly every year..” While another commented: “YES YES YES WE ARE SO BACK.”
The BBC competition kicks off with a pre-recorded show on September 19 with the star-studded line-up – including EastEnders’ Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer and singer Delta Goodrem – learning who they will be partnered up with.
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