Drag queen La Voix has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing's highly anticipated Blackpool special this weekend due to a foot injury, but will advance to next week under the show's bye rules. The decision has sparked debate over competition fairness.
The 45-year-old revealed she has sustained a deep bone bruise where her toe joins her foot. Repetitive dancing in heels caused the injury. The injury has been ongoing since foxtrot week and could develop into a stress fracture requiring six to eight weeks off her feet in a boot if not properly rested.
La Voix said in a statement: "It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw from this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing shows in Blackpool. Due to an injury, I've been advised that I'm unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won't be dancing in such an iconic venue."
The BBC confirmed La Voix and dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec will receive a bye through to next week. "In line with the rules of Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix and Aljaž will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again," the broadcaster stated.
Rule Change Demanded
Former Strictly professional James Jordan has called for greater clarity on the competition's injury rules. He questioned the criteria for receiving a bye rather than elimination.
James Jordan said exclusively to Reach PLC on behalf of Freebets: "In my opinion, I've got nothing against La Voix and Aljaz, because I love them, I think they're brilliant, but it's still a competition at the end of the day, there needs to be more clarity on what the rules are."
He suggested future rule changes where an injured contestant's withdrawal would result in no elimination that week, rather than a pass for the injured party. "The rules just need to be more clear. And my personal feeling is it should be that if you don't dance one week, you're out of the competition, and there'd be no elimination that week[...],'' Jordan explained.
Injury Timeline
La Voix revealed on It Takes Two that the injury developed gradually. "This has been ongoing since the foxtrot. I felt a little niggle in my foot, hence comments about me being flat-footed[...],'' she said. "[...] it got gradually worse and worse, until on Saturday, we had to change shoes. I couldn't wear heels for the Couple's Choice; I had to wear those awful flat shoes."
She wore flats instead of heels during last week's Couple's Choice performance to Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain On My Parade", which scored 33 out of 40.
On Instagram, La Voix shared an update from her MRI scan. "It's like a deep bone bruise, which basically if I keep working on could become a stress fracture. Which obviously means a broken foot which is six to eight weeks off my foot in a boot," she explained.
Blackpool Buzz
Despite the injury drama, fans have descended on the seaside town days ahead of the weekend performances. The historic Blackpool Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 and will host six competing couples this Saturday.
Fan Vicky Leland, who runs a Facebook group with approximately 95,000 followers, said: "We watch out online for things that are happening. We've learnt certain things over the years which are pretty routine so we know where to look. We've already seen all the couples this morning and got photos with them."
Local businesses are preparing for the influx. Shop worker Anita Pawlik said: "It's always rammed when Strictly is on. We will often have queues outside the door. There's always a big crowd, it's good fun."
Phoenix Knightz from Funny Girls cabaret venue emphasized Blackpool's dance heritage. "Blackpool in the past, present and future has always been an iconic place for tourists, the locals and anyone just passing by so to get the attention from the show, just takes that to the next level[...],'' Phoenix said. "They call it the Vegas of the North, it's also the dance capital of the UK."
La Voix, the first drag queen to compete on the main show, has become particularly beloved in the LGBTQ+ community. Phoenix Knightz said: "We're devastated that she can't perform in Blackpool. She is beloved here and has been doing so much for the LGBTQ+ community by being on Strictly."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) created this article.
