Strictly Come Dancing star forced out of Christmas special due to injury-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Carlos Gu has been replaced in this year’s Strictly Christmas special (Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)

One Strictly Come Dancing professional has been forced to withdraw from the Christmas special.

It was announced earlier this month that Carlos Gu would dance with Vogue Williams in the festive episode, which will air on Christmas Day.

However, sadly, Carlos has suffered an injury, so instead will be replaced by Gorka Márquez.

A Strictly spokesperson confirmed: ‘Unfortunately, professional dancer Carlos Gu has sustained an ankle injury so is unable to participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special alongside contestant Vogue Williams.

‘Fellow professional dancer Gorka Márquez will be stepping in for him and dancing with Vogue.

‘We all wish him a speedy recovery.’

Carlos suffered an ankle injury during training (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

He danced with Angela Scanlon last series (Picture: PA)

Carlos, 31, joined the Strictly family in 2022 and first danced with Molly Rainford, who reached the final.

Last year, he was paired with Irish broadcaster Angela Scanlon, who was controversially eliminated in week 10.

Meanwhile, Gorka, 34, is a long-standing Strictly pro and a firm favourite among fans.

Since joining in 2016, the Spanish champion has reached the final on three occasions with Alexandra Burke, Helen Skelton, and Maisie Smith.

This year, he danced with Dr. Punam Krishan, who was voted out in week six, but also made history with her Bollywood couple’s choice routine during Movie Week.

Meanwhile, Irish model and media personality Vogue, 39, is a total dance novice, having already made her nerves clear ahead of the festive special.

Gorka Marquez joined Strictly in 2016 (Picture: PA)

This series he was partnered with Dr. Punam Krishan (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Vogue Williams has said she’s ‘so excited’ about joining Strictly (Picture: BBC)

Her casting was announced on spin-off show It Takes Two, where Vogue, who is married to Spencer Matthews, expressed her excitement about having Carlos as her partner.

The podcaster said she’s ‘so excited’ to join the show, with training already underway for her routine to Rock-In Robin by Bobby Day.

‘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!’, she joked.

‘I’m loving it so far. Bring on the ballroom floor.’

Vogue told host Janette Manrara: ‘The only problem is, everyone thinks that I look like I’m a good dancer, and I really am not!’

The documentary host will compete against five other stars, all hoping to lift the Christmas Glitterball Trophy.

Vogue will be hoping to lift the Christmas Glitterball Trophy (Picture: Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for Bafta)

These include comedian Josh Widdicombe, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, and former racing car driver Billy Monger.

Joining them and making history is RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Tayce who, when she danced with Kai Widdrington, will become the first drag artist to take part in the BBC dance show.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.

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