Nigel Harman was forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing on medical grounds after injuring his ribs.
The Casualty star joined Claudia Winkleman to address his exit with professional partner Katya Jones.
Explaining his injury, Nigel said: "I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and, as I flew I was Peter Pan and as I landed, I was in A&E.
"I’ve done something to my rib and it’s quite painful.”
As Claudia turned to ask Katya how she was feeling, the dancer burst into tears: "It's quite hard to talk right now, I'm not going to lie, but I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on a dance floor.
"I know the reason you did this is for your daughter and for your parents, and especially missing out on this number, I know your parents would be very proud of you.
"I hope you got something out of this that you're going to cherish forever."
The pair were then presented with a montage of their time on the show together and it became too much for Katya.
She rested her head on Nigel's shoulder as Claudia comforted her but fans were concerned for the pro.
Taking to X, one fan posted: "Stoppp I’m actually devastated for Nigel and Katya. Poor Katya is mess, I really believed they were finalists gutted for them.”
A second added: "Och…just terribly sad when injuries curtail people’s progress in #Strictly …Katya trying her best to hold it together…pain killers numbing Nigel’s pain AND disappointment."
Another continued: "Bless katya, she's been really unlucky the past few years ngl … the covid situation with nicola, then tony got injured and now nigel.”
"It’s Katya’s second partner to quit the competition, I’m feeling so sorry for her (and also Nigel, obvs) #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly," someone else shared.
Nigel paid tribute to Katya, telling the previous Strictly champion: "Kat, the only reason I’m standing here is because of all the work you've put into me. You turn up every day with so many hundreds of great ideas.
"You challenge me, you push me, you support me and then you do extraordinary things on the floor with choreography and creativity.
"But most of all, I don't know, you're just part of me now and I can't even look at you.”
As Nigel had to withdraw, there will be no elimination and all four couples will go straight to the semi-finals where they will perform two routines.
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