Professional dancer Carlos Gu has forced to pull out of the upcoming Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing due to a serious injury.
Carlos – who first joined the BBC show in 2022 – is suffering from an ankle injury but can no longer take part, despite preparing to partner with TV star Vogue Williams for the festive episode.
It’s believed that in his absence fellow Strictly star Gorka Marquez, who competed alongside Dr Punam Krishan in this year’s series, has stepped in to take his place. Gorka will now take to the dancefloor to join Vogue so the much-anticipated annual special can go on.
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The Strictly Christmas special is no doubt a staple of the TV schedule at Christmas, with incredible costumes and showstopping dances, so it’s only natural that producers could be disappointed over Carlos’s withdrawal. However, it’s said that they remain confident that Gorka and Vogue will bring festive cheer to viewers.
The announcement comes just days after Spencer Matthews – husband of Vogue – joked during a recent episode of their podcast that Carlos had been “stealing” her away for rehearsals.
Vogue shared that she’s begun filming for the festive special and e confessed that the fast-paced nature of the dance has left her feeling exhausted. As part of the show’s preparations, the couple welcomed dancer Carlos into their home.
Spencer – who got engaged to Vogue back in 2018 and tied the knot soon after – told listeners: “I got to meet the great Carlos who is stealing my wife away from me, all day every day.” In response, Vogue joked: “You must be delighted.”
Vogue will be competing on the festive edition of Strictly against comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, and racing driver Billy Monger. She competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2012 partnered with Christopher Page, but was eliminated third.
Speaking to the BBC, Vogue said: “I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best! I’m loving it so far, bring on the Ballroom floor.”
The festive edition of Strictly will also welcome back judging favourites Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, set to broadcast on Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer.