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Jamie Laing pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing with foot injury

Getty Images Jamie Laing at the Strictly launch in AugustGetty Images
Laing appeared at the Strictly launch at the end of August

Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing has pulled out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing after injuring his foot while recording the launch show.

He will be seen in the pre-recorded launch episode on BBC One on Saturday, but won't play any further part.

"I'm absolutely devastated that I'm unable to continue in the competition," the 30-year-old said. "I was so excited to hit the dance floor."

At the weekend, he was seen on crutches and with a protective boot on his foot.

No details have been released about whether he will be replaced in the line-up.

"I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest," he added.

Executive producer Sarah James said: "We are so sad that Jamie won't be able to take part in the series, he had already lit up the ballroom during the launch show with his boundless energy and enthusiasm. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Kevin Clifton, who lifted the glitterball trophy last year with Stacey Dooley, sent a message of sympathy on Twitter.

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Comedian Chris Ramsey, a contestant on this year's show, said he was "gutted" by the news.

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Former footballer Alex Scott, another of this year's hopefuls, wished Laing a quick recovery.

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Strictly's other withdrawals

Withdrawals from Strictly have been very rare over its 17 series to date, with just a handful leaving the ballroom bonanza without being voted off:

Jade Johnson, Kelly Brook and John Sergeant
  • Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck left the show during the programme's fourth series after being diagnosed with high blood pressure. "I'm absolutely devastated," he said at the time.
  • The following year, model and actress Kelly Brook withdrew in order to spend more time with her family after the death of her father, Kenneth.
  • One year later, political journalist John Sergeant's simple steps won over many viewers but he decided to quit after fearing he might actually win the competition. "That would be a joke too far," he said.
  • Olympic athlete Jade Johnson said she was "absolutely gutted" after an injury suffered during a dress rehearsal forced her to withdraw during series seven.
  • And singer Will Young left the show for "personal reasons" during series 14. He later told the Times Magazine it was "for my own wellbeing".
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Oxford-born Laing has been one of the stars of Channel 4's structured reality show Made In Chelsea since 2011. He also co-hosts the Private Parts podcast and appeared in the first series of Celebrity Hunted in 2017.

This year's Strictly line-up also includes TV star Anneka Rice, Olympic rower James Cracknell, former footballer David James, sports presenter Mike Bushell and ex-Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley.

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