Nigel Harman and Katya Jones tease BBC Strictly return amid claims crew were 'relieved' by exit

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones tease BBC Strictly return amid claims crew were 'relieved' by exit

WATCH NOW: Nigel Harman says he's being 'looked after' following injury

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 15/12/2023

- 15:15

The Casualty actor and his Strictly partner are back

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have shared an upbeat social media update together almost two weeks on from their dramatic Strictly exit.

The actor was forced to pull out of the competition after ending up in A&E with an injury to his rib following a rehearsal mishap.


His last-minute exit ahead of the quarter-final left Jones in tears as they explained what happened to Claudia Winkleman on-air.

The abrupt departure clearly hit Jones hard as she penned a heartfelt tribute to the actor after their exit as well as sparking concern with her reaction during the quarter-final.

However, reports emerged after their exit that crew members behind the scenes were "relieved" by Harman's exit due to his temperament - something the BBC batted away.

Proving there is no bad blood between them or the show, Harman and Jones have reunited for an update behind the scenes of Strictly as they prepare to team up with their fellow competitors in Saturday's grand finale.

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones were both emotional as they bid farewell

BBC

Harman will join up with the rest of this year's celebrity cast - except Amanda Abbington - for a group number to see out the series in style.

After Angela Rippon already provided a sneak peek at her own comeback behind the scenes, Jones and Harman followed suit.

Sporting several props, Jones said in an Instagram clip: "I know you can't quite recognise us but it is us... Katya and Nigel."

"We're in disguise," Harman said with a smile before Jones chipped back in: "We are in disguise indeed, back in the Strictly corridors."

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones had made it to the quarter-finals of Strictly

BBC

"Seeing if we can steal any jockstraps," Harman joked which prompted Jones to burst out laughing before he continued: "And other tap shoes, but mostly jockstraps."

The pair's upbeat attitude comes after the BBC insisted the crew and cast of Strictly would "miss" Harman in response to a source telling The Sun there was "relief" among those behind the scenes.

"It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained," a BBC spokesperson said, via Express.co.uk.

"Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday, December 16."

WATCH NOW: Nigel Harman reveals why he had to leave Strictly 

The claims came after Harman sparked concern by appearing to walk off the dance floor during Blackpool Week after being visibly deflated by the judges' scores.

After an injury forced him to withdraw from the competition, it was left to Layton Williams, Annabel Croft, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier to go head-to-head for a spot in the finale.

Croft was the final Strictly star eliminated at the semi-final stage after going head to head with Brazier in the dance-off.

The results left some Strictly viewers claiming Croft was "robbed" of her place in the final.

Leach, Brazier and Williams will all perform on Saturday evening but bookmakers are expecting nothing but a victory for Coronation Street actor Leach.

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