Strictly injury prone... second star out of show
UGO Monye is out of tomorrow’s Strictly with back problems – the show’s second blow in 24 hours.
The ex-England rugby star was to tackle the next stage of the contest with pro dancer Oti Mabuse but will now miss a week.
Their exit came after Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell, right, quit entirely due to his ill health.
Ugo, 38, wrote online: “Unfortunately I’m not going to be able to dance this weekend. I have a history of back problems which has always been managed. This has been causing me some unwanted problems this week!
“I have been advised by medical professionals and with huge support from Strictly to get some treatment & rest to ensure that I can get myself back to full capacity & fighting fit for next week.
“Gutted Oti & I won’t be dancing this weekend but wishing all the other contestants the best of luck.”
Peep Show comedian Robert, 49 – who had open heart surgery two years ago – stepped down from the show on Wednesday.
He said: “Although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew.”
Ex-Strictly pro dancer
Joanne Clifton claimed the Muppet Show quickstep he performed last weekend would have put a lot of pressure on his heart. Joanne, 37, said on The Kevin Clifton Show podcast: “It’s a massive, massive shame. “At the end of the day, the BBC and [Robert] and his doctors have decided that it’s better. “He did quickstep. Your heart rate is going to go up and up and up. It’s a good thing he’s pulled out if he was getting some symptoms.” McFly singer Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden rejoined the show on Saturday from a week off due to positive Covid tests.