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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Strictly fans plead for Catherine Tyldesley to return and replace Will after sudden exit

Strictly Come Dancing fans are pleading for Catherine Tyldesley to return after Will Bayley was forced to pull out of the competition.

The Paralympian became the second celebrity to quit the series this year after being told his "freak" knee injury in training could take six months to recover from.

However fans are desperate for Catherine to replace him after some claim she was unfairly kicked out of the competition last week.

The former Coronation Street actress and partner Johannes Radebe were up against Mike Bushell and Katya Jones in the dance-off, but head judge Shirley Ballas chose to save the latter couple.

Strictly fans want Catherine and Johannes to return (BBC)
Will and Janette were forced to pull out of te show (BBC)

After news broke of Will's exit, one fan tweeted: "Bring Catherine back to take his place."

While another commented: "Room for a Catherine comeback? #Strictly."

A third suggested: "Now bring Catherine & Johannes or Dev & Dianne back!! #Strictly."

Will and Janette were given a bye to next week, but his injury has failed to heal and forced him to pull out of the competition.

This means that there will be just three contestants in the final this year rather than the usual four.

Will has been left devastated after pulling out of the show (DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
Janette and Will won't be returning this week (BBC/Guy Levy)

The gold-medal winning Paralympian said he was devastated to leave the series – which had been one of the highlights of his life.

The table-tennis champ, who suffers with arthrogyposis in all four of his limbs, said: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.

"I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.

"The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life.”

Will suffered a knee injury while rehearsing for the Jive (DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)

His scans have shown that his injury, which was obtained during rehearsals for the jive, may take up to six months for his injury to heal.

The first celebrity forced to pull out of the competition was Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, who injured himself before the competition even began.

Jamie landed awkwardly during the red carpet launch, consequently hurting his leg.

He was replaced by Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, who was paired with Oti Mabuse and looks set to make it through to the latest stages of the contest.

Strictly Come Dancing ’s executive producer Sarah James said: “We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show. He is an incredible and talented person who has brought us some unforgettable moments this series - in particular his powerful and moving couples choice routine.

"He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

*Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 7pm on BBC One

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