Karim Zeroual was missing from It Takes Two tonight, forcing Strictly pro partner Amy Dowden to speak to Zoe Ball alone.
The CBBC star was not feeling well today so was unable to come into the studio.
Introducing Amy on the sofa today, Zoe referred to their dance last weekend as she said: "You have a poorly panda!"
"I do," she replied. Asked to give viewers the latest, Amy continued: "So he's got the lurgy, so he's resting up because obviously we need him fighting fit and ready for Saturday night. Bless him."
"We're sending him lots of love, may he get well soon," Zoe said.
"He's so disappointed not to be here," Amy added.
Later, Zoe pulled out a pot and revealed that his mum Carol had prepared him some food to give to him.
"She's been worried because he's not been too well," Zoe told Amy as she handed over the meatballs to give to Karim.
The pair will be dancing the Tango this week, but Amy is worried that they won't be ready in time.
"Because of his hectic work schedule we haven't been able to put in the hours as we would usually," she said. "Hopefully tomorrow he's feeling better so we can get on with it tomorrow."
*Strictly: It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two
