The Drag Race icon has shared her ‘immense sadness’ after she and partner Aljaz Skorjanec were forced to pull out of Strictly ahead of the show’s highly anticipated week in Blackpool

La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec have been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing ahead of Blackpool, leaving the Drag Race icon “devastated”. Due to an injury, the dance duo have had to withdraw from this week’s live show and will receive a bye to the week after.

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Sharing a statement about the decision, La Voix shared her “immense sadness” at not being able to compete: “It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw from this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing shows in Blackpool.

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“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. Aljaž and I have worked incredibly hard, and we were so excited to share our routine with everyone.”

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She added that she is “devastated” not to be performing in the world famous ballroom but continued to say she would cheer everyone else on.

“I am devastated not to be joining the rest of the cast on that famous dancefloor, but my focus now is on recovery. I’ll be cheering on all the amazing couples this weekend.”

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It was not revealed which dance La Voix and Aljaz were supposed to do this week. Last week, the pair performed a couple’s choice to Don’t Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand. The pair received a score of 33 and were able to avoid the dance off, having been in the bottom two the week before.

A Strictly spokesperson said: “Due to injury, La Voix has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance in this weekend’s Blackpool specials.

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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. We wish La Voix the very best for a speedy recovery.”

The news was also posted to Instagram, where fans quickly filled the comments with well wishes for the star. “Ohh I’m so sad! Speedy recovery, can’t wait to see you back on the dance floor,” one wrote.

Another added that this was the “worst week for this to happen” and a third agreed as it was “the one week La Voix wanted to do the most”. A fourth said they were “gutted” for her.

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The other six celebs – Lewis Cope, Amber Davies, Karen Carney, Alex Kingston, George Clarke and Balvinder Sopal – will still dance. They will also be joined by four former Strictly stars.

Jay McGuinness, who won the show in 2015, Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams and Danny Mac will all return for a routine featuring classic Strictly moments, including elements of Jay and Ashley’s jives, Layton’s quickstep and Danny’s samba.