Strictly Come Dancing stars hit with string of gruesome injuries days before show launch

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 stars have been hit by a wave of nasty injuries just days ahead of the show’s launch, much to the alarm of its devout fanbase.

At least three celebrities have suffered aches and pains in rehearsals for the 22nd series of the BBC One reality show, casting doubt over the future of their performances in the gruelling competition.

Amanda Abbington was one of the first contestants to showcase the physical strain of the training on her body, taking to Instagram on Tuesday to share a snap of a huge circular blood blister on her foot. The 51-year-old, who is best known for her role in Sherlock Holmes, explained the pesky wound was the result of her uncomfortable footwear. “Dancing in heels, when you absolutely aren’t a dancer, is clearly a blister minefield but, moreover, very much a young man’s game… however, onwards. Back tomorrow for more shenanigans!” she captioned the image.

Fans of the TV star were quick to offer their sympathies, writing empathetic comments beneath the post like, “Ouch!” and “Looks painful!” Others shared advice on how to heal the blister quickly, such as using Compeed strips and getting regular podiatrist checks.

Love Island’s Zara McDermott, 26, has also hurt her feet from all of the dancing, revealing a photo of her damaged big toe on Instagram earlier this week. The Essex native posted a snap of her damaged toe peeping out of a flip flop, before joking to fans it had seen “better days” before teasing the identity of her Strictly partner.

Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas is another Strictly 2023 celebrity who’s been battling through pain in rehearsals for the live shows. The 35-year-old he had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis just days after being announced as a contestant on the latest series, making his participation all the more impressive.

“As much as I act like a kid, my body is telling another story…” Adam said on Instagram. “I’ve been in a lot of pain since January. It started with my knees and then travelled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes. I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid Arthritis!”

It’s no secret that the training regime for Strictly Come Dancing is challenging on both the mind and body. Contestants are expected to attend a minimum of 12 hours of rehearsals a week, with many spending five days a week in the studio in order to bulletproof their routines. Injuries from overload or accidents aren’t uncommon, with former Strictly stars suffering everything from minor sprains to popping knees. Some contestants have also had to leave to receive treatment for health conditions unrelated to the show in the past, with Robert Webb quitting after just three episodes in 2021 because of concerns over a heart surgery from two years prior.

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