Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix has spoken of her devastation after being forced to withdraw from the competition.

It was revealed at the start of Blackpool's live show that the RuPaul's Drag Race star would be exiting the show.

Host Tess Daly announced that 'following further advice from our medical team' the star, whose real name is Christopher Dennis., could not continue.

La Voix made an announcement at the same time in Instagram in an emotional statement to fans.

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They wrote: "I'm absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing.

"This isn't the glittering exit I ever imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I'm letting people down.

"My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot has other ideas!

"Thank you for every cheer, every vote, and every sparkle of support - it's meant the world to me.

"This isn't the ending I imagined, but I'll cherish this forever. La Voix."

La Voix, who had said at the start of the BBC show that she dreamt of making it to Blackpool, was in the audience for the special show.

They looked gutted as the cameras panned in on them during the announcement.

Fans of the show were gutted for the star as the announcement was made.

One wrote on X: "La Voix getting injured the week of Blackpool is the most gutting moment on #Strictly since AJ got injured the week of the final."

"La Voix, so sad they've had to pull out of #Strictly her witty quips were brilliant, never know she may front the show next year, or host the Clauditorium upstairs, yippee!!!," a second said.

A third commented: "La voix looks so sad in the background :( #strictly."

It was announced that the dance off had been cancelled this week in a major depature from the norm.

It means all of the six remaining celebs will progress to week 10 of the competition automatically.