The ex-Arsenal footballer and his professional partner Katia Jones will now miss out on the show’s iconic trip to Blackpool Tower, with Tyler West and Diane Buswell automatically going through in their place. A BBC source said: “After finding out he would be facing the dance-off, Tony had a chat with the producers and said both he and the doctor were concerned that dancing in the prom again could cause further injury. decided that he would withdraw from the competition.” The BBC refused to explain what the injury was or how it occurred, citing it as a private, medical matter, although there was speculation that he had injured his hamstring, a common complaint for footballers. All round: Tony Adams made a dramatic exit from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, pulling out of the competition with an injury But there was no sign that he hurt himself during his match in Wilson Pickett’s Country of 1000 Dances with partner Katya, for which he scored 24 out of 40 points – his lowest of the night. A studio source said Adams looked “upset” after Saturday night’s show ended. “Something was wrong, something was happening,” they told the Daily Mail. “He was having trouble walking and was holding his leg.” Week eight is considered one of the most crucial of the series as it is the last show before the celebrities head to Blackpool to play the world famous Tower Ballroom. Nightmare: Ex-footballer and professional partner Katia Jones will now miss out on show’s iconic trip to Blackpool Tower, with Tyler West and Diane Buswell skipping Mystery: The BBC refused to explain what the injury was or how it happened, citing it as a private, medical matter Adams was under increased pressure from Strictly fans to leave the race after staying on last Sunday, while Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds – favorite to reach the final – was sent home. She had earned 12 more points than Adams for her dance. Her departure prompted devoted fans of the BBC dance show to write to company bosses and also share their anger on social media. They insisted he left the show to give his more talented co-stars a chance to stay. They were also furious with Arsenal fans who voted to keep Adams, 56, when he was scoring such low points. Gutting: Adams was injured Saturday night and was unable to participate in Sunday’s dance A show source said: “Tony staying on the show was becoming a real problem for the BBC, they always like to have a range of talent but usually these exits happen naturally, at times when they should be early in the series. “But Tony’s huge fan base meant that wasn’t the case and while he was voted to stay on by Arsenal fans, some of whom don’t even watch the show, others saw him off. Tony was under pressure to leave and now he has.’ The remaining couples took to the ballroom hoping to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas and the voting public. But after Adams was forced to withdraw and was unable to compete for his place in the competition, presenter Tess Daly explained: ‘Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony is unable to take part in the dance and has decided to withdraw from the competition. Tony said: “They were emotional kids, I cried in the first month. I came here with a message, if you have a mental health problem then don’t suffer in silence and get help” “That means there will be no prom tonight and Tyler and Diane will be arriving in Blackpool.” When asked by Tess about his time on the show, he said: “It was emotional guys, I cried in the first month. I came here with a message, if you have a mental health problem then don’t suffer in silence and get help.” He continued: “Little did I know that I would learn so much about myself in the process. I thought this “journey” rubbish was nonsense, but my god what a rollercoaster of emotions. I have to be honest, it’s hard, physically it’s very hard out there, but dancing is really fantastic for you. “Go out there and enjoy it and learn new skills and explore. I guess I better mention this [Katya] I hadn’t, he’s a great person, he really is.” When asked if she had any words for her partner, Katia said: “Tony Adams, I’ll be forever grateful to have worked with you, you know what I loved? “I loved us, I loved that we didn’t care what people thought, we did every dance our own way! You came here with a message, led by example, put yourself out there and showed everyone that you can do anything. And everyone deserves love and to be loved! I love you.’ Head judge Shirley added: “Tony, from the first moment you set foot on the floor with your tango, to the last moment and last kick, you gave us 100% of your heart. “You have grown week by week, becoming one of the nation’s favorite entertainers. “On behalf of the judges, we enjoyed watching every second, you really are what this show is all about and we can only wish you the best as you go forward. Keep dancing, keep entertaining people, because you are a star. Well done.’ Sunday’s results opened with a moving tribute to Remembrance Sunday in a beautiful ballroom number from our Strictly pros and the incredible Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Zak Abel performed their single, Same Boat. The remaining eight couples will take to the dance floor when Strictly Come Dancing returns to Blackpool Tower. Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH Age: 46 Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter Kym says: “I’m so glad they have it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m going from watching at home in my pajamas to dancing in front of the judges in a sparkly dress.” ELLIE SIMMONDS Age: 27 Occupation: Former athlete Ellie says: “Being asked to join the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.” TYLER WEST Age: 26 Occupation: Radio DJ Says Tyler, “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor…with a side of sequins.” ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38 Occupation: Comedian Ellie says: “So cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!” TONY ADAMS MBE Age: 55 Occupation: Retired footballer and manager Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of sequins and the call of salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of strictly soft shoes.” WILL MELLOR Age: 46 Occupation: Actor Will says: “I know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her too. Come on!’ MOLLY RENFORD Age: 21 Occupation: Singer Molly says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family to share it with.” FLEUR EAST Age: 34 Occupation: Singer Fleur says: “I’m equal parts nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I am excited to learn new skills and want to enjoy every moment of this magical experience.’ HAMZA YASIN Age: 35 Occupation: Wildlife operator and presenter Hamza says: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.” HELEN SKELTON Age: 39 Occupation: TV and radio editor Helen says: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to start.”
