Strictly’s Will Bayley forced to quit after suffering agonising knee injury and says he’s ‘gutted’

PARALYMPIAN Will Bayley has been forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing after suffering an agonising knee injury in rehearsals.

The Sun told yesterday how doctors had given the gold medal winning table tennis star a “less than slim” chance of recovering in time for this weekend’s show, but he has now confirmed he is out of the competition.

Will, paired with Janette Manrara, said: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.

“I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me, and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.

“The things we achieved, from our couple’s choice dance, through to the lifts in our salsa, will stay with me forever. I’ve had the time of my life.”

The painful injury, believed to be a torn knee ligament, is the second forced withdrawal this year after Made in Chelsea Jamie Laing pulled out before the series had even begun, with Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher.

We told yesterday how Will had a final consultation with doctors today after landing awkwardly during a jump.

But experts decided he would not recover in time or be able to put in the 12 hours minimum weekly training celebrities are contractually required to do for the BBC1 show.

His partner Janette said: “Absolutely devastated that Will and I will not be able to continue dancing. We made some incredible memories that I will never forget, and I am pleased to have shared them with such an inspirational person whom I can now call a friend for life.”

And the show’s executive producer Sarah James added: “We are so sad that Will is unable to continue on the show.  He is an incredible and talented person who has brought us some unforgettable moments this series – in particular his powerful and moving couples choice routine. He will be greatly missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

To make matters worse for show bosses, there are a number of other stars also struggling with injuries.

Long-standing pro Katya Jones, 30, was unable to train yesterday due to a painful neck injury, meaning her and partner Mike Bushell, who were in the bottom two at the weekend, did not practice.

And her ex-husband Neil Jones was also unable to train, with ladies man Kevin Clifton stepping in to rehearse with former footballer Alex Scott after performing with her on Saturday’s show.

The source added: “There are quite a few on the treatment table at the moment so producers are hoping there are some quick recoveries, particularly with Katya and Neil. In an ideal world they will both be able to shake off their knocks in time for the weekend so that Alex and Mike are not left needing stand-in professionals.”