Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix has been forced to pull out of the competition, it was announced during Blackpool Tower Week on Saturday

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman dazzled in stunning ballgowns for their last ever Blackpool Week – after the duo announced they are leaving the show after the end of this series

The drag queen was spotted in the front row of the audience looking forlorn as the announcement was made

Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition on Saturday night, delivering a heartbreaking blow during what was already an emotional Blackpool Tower Week — the final Blackpool appearance for beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

First to take to the dancefloor was Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones who performed a Charleston

First to take to the dancefloor was Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones who performed a Charleston

The Drag Race performer, 45, real name Christopher Dennis, had to pull out of the iconic Blackpool special after suffering a worsening foot injury that medics warned could lead to a serious fracture if she continued dancing. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman dazzled in stunning ballgowns for their last ever Blackpool Week – after the duo announced they are leaving the show after the end of this series

First to take to the dancefloor was Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones who performed a Charleston

As the show opened, Tess and Claudia stepped onto the ballroom floor in spectacular gowns — Tess in a white glitzy cut-out cape dress and Claudia in a striking red draped number — marking their last ever Blackpool Week after announcing their departure at the end of this series.

Next up was Balvinder Sopal and her dance partner, newbie Julian Caillon, with a very racy Argentine Tango

Despite looking disappointed with her performance, Balvinder impressed the judges, with Motsi Mabuse calling her the ‘comeback queen’ – as a result of facing four dance offs

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin then performed a bouncy Quickstep to S Club 7 hit Reach For The Stars

Craig was met with a sea of boos as he criticised Amber’s gapping but he went on to say her timing and ability to cover the floor were ‘exceptional’

Next to perform were Lioness Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu, who danced a very dramatic Paso Doble
‘

Darling that’s how you score a goal that’s for sure. Insane,’ said Craig, before Motsi added: ‘I do not have a paddle that can express how good that dance was’

Amy Dowden was later seen arriving at the Blackpool wrap party in the city after the show went live

Claudia was also seen arriving, wearing a pair of black patent chunky boots with baggy blue jeans and a coat

Meanwhile Tess could also be seen arriving at the party, wearing a black and white spotted fur coat and carrying a white Prada bag

Before the performances began, the long-time hosts paused the excitement to deliver their final words at Blackpool — a moment so emotional the entire studio fell completely silent.
Their voices wavered as they thanked fans for two decades of memories, and cameras caught audience members wiping their eyes. Even Tess and Claudia struggled to get through the message without stopping to compose themselves. It was a farewell that hung heavy in the air, setting an unexpectedly bittersweet tone for the night.

Moments later, the atmosphere shifted again as the pair confirmed devastating news:
La Voix had been told by doctors she could not continue dancing.

The drag queen was seen seated in the front row, looking crushed as the announcement was made.

And then came the twist: Tess revealed that, because of the withdrawal, no contestant would be leaving this week, with the dance-off cancelled and scores rolling over to next week.

But emotions escalated further after the BBC unexpectedly announced the two presenters who will replace Tess and Claudia next season.
The reaction was immediate and intense — both inside the studio and online.
Viewers erupted with frustration, writing comments such as:

“Why let Tess and Claudia go… just to replace them with those two?”

For many fans, the decision overshadowed an already emotional night, turning Blackpool Week into one of the most talked-about episodes of the season.

⭐ La Voix breaks her silence

Minutes after the live announcement, La Voix took to Instagram to share her heartbreak.

“I’m absolutely devastated to be withdrawing. This isn’t the glittering exit I imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I’ve let people down. My spirit wanted to keep dancing — but my foot had other ideas.”

She thanked fans for every vote, cheer, and “sparkle of support.”

Later in the evening, she was spotted wearing a medical boot and a lace jumpsuit while attending filming, bravely showing the reality of her injury.

⭐ Blackpool performances go on — and deliver drama of their own

The show continued with an electric lineup of routines:

● Lewis Cope & Katya Jones opened with a jaw-dropping Charleston that stunned Anton Du Beke into silence and earned a perfect 40, his second of the season.

● Balvinder Sopal & Julian Caillon delivered a bold Argentine Tango. Though Balvinder looked unsure afterward, the judges praised her perseverance — Motsi Mabuse even called her the “comeback queen.” They earned their highest score yet.

● Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin hit the floor with a lively Quickstep to “Reach for the Stars.” Despite boos aimed at Craig for critiquing her gapping, he admitted her timing was “exceptional.” They scored 36.

● Karen Carney & Carlos Gu delivered an explosive Paso Doble, earning a standing ovation and an extraordinary 39 points. Anton said he wished he could score her “25.”

● Alex Kingston & Johannes Radebe performed a sultry Couple’s Choice routine, receiving 35.

● George Clarke & Alexis Warr closed the show with a high-energy salsa that surprised the judges and earned their best score yet — another 39.

Blackpool Week kicked off with a glittering performance from Steps, who performed a medley of hits including “Tragedy,” followed by a dazzling group number featuring Strictly’s pros, judges, and celebrities.

⭐ Backstage: tears, injuries and celebrations

After the live show, Strictly stars were seen heading to the Blackpool wrap party — Amy Dowden, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, Jowita Przystał, and Nadia Bychkova among them.

La Voix, meanwhile, updated fans again on Sunday morning, revealing:

“I’m off for an MRI scan to see what’s going on with my foot. It’s a deep bone bruise that could become a stress fracture if I keep dancing. Luckily they caught it before it got to that stage.”

She praised the Strictly physio team and thanked fans for their support during what she called “the saddest day.”