Strictly Come Dancing’s annual Blackpool special is set to dazzle viewers this weekend, but one of its most vibrant stars, La Voix, will be notably absent from the iconic Tower Ballroom. On November 18, 2025, the BBC confirmed that La Voix, the drag persona of Chris Dennis and a finalist from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, will miss the highly anticipated event due to a foot injury. The decision, made on the advice of medical professionals, leaves both fans and fellow contestants disappointed, as La Voix and her professional partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, had prepared a show-stopping routine for the occasion.
According to BBC Entertainment, La Voix was “advised by doctors to rest,” making participation in the Blackpool specials impossible. As per Strictly Come Dancing’s rules, the duo will automatically advance to the following week’s show, a standard procedure for medically unfit contestants. The announcement comes just days before the show’s annual pilgrimage to Blackpool, a venue steeped in Strictly tradition and often considered a career highlight for the celebrities and their professional partners.
La Voix, 45, expressed her devastation in a heartfelt statement, saying, “It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw from this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing shows in Blackpool. Due to an injury, I’ve been advised that I’m unable to perform, and my heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue.” She added, “Aljaž and I have worked incredibly hard and we were so excited to share our routine with everyone. I am devastated… but my focus now is on recovery.” The performer’s disappointment is palpable, especially given her history with the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a place she credits as the starting point of her stage career.
The BBC’s Strictly spokesperson echoed these sentiments, wishing La Voix “the very best for a speedy recovery” and confirming, “In line with the rules of Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix and Aljaž will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again.” The network, along with producers and judges, has publicly supported La Voix’s decision to prioritize her health, emphasizing the importance of recovery over competition.
La Voix’s absence is a significant blow to this year’s Strictly lineup. Known for her sharp wit, comedic timing, and standout performances, she quickly became a fan favorite. Her memorable moments include viral exchanges with judges and hosts, as well as her spirited attempts at hosting following the announcement that long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be stepping down after this season. In one widely shared clip, La Voix handed over to Tess Daly with characteristic flair, sending the cast into fits of laughter. Her passion for the show and connection with the audience have made her one of the most talked-about contestants in recent series.
Just last weekend, La Voix and Aljaž wowed the judges with a Couples Choice routine to Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” earning an impressive 33 points. Despite injuring her foot on or around November 11, La Voix pushed through the pain to perform, telling fans on Instagram, “As many of you know, I injured my foot last week. With the help of an incredible team, and a whole lot of sparkles and determination, I was able to keep going and perform.” She continued, “As the old saying goes, the show must go on, and believe me, I pushed myself to make sure it did.” Ultimately, however, medical advice could not be ignored. “I’ve now been advised by medical professionals to rest properly,” she shared, assuring her supporters that she will return “louder, brighter, and sassier than ever.”
The Blackpool special remains a pivotal event in the Strictly calendar. The episode, scheduled for the weekend of November 22-23, 2025, will see the remaining six couples—EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, actor Amber Davies, YouTuber George Clark, Lioness Karen Carney, and others—compete for a coveted spot in the competition’s final stretch. The night will also feature live performances from Lewis Capaldi and Steps, as well as appearances by former finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams. A new instant dance challenge will add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the proceedings.
La Voix’s withdrawal is not the first such incident this season. Earlier, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis missed Movie Week due to illness and ultimately exited the competition following a calf injury. Such moments serve as reminders of the physical demands placed on contestants, many of whom have little professional dance experience prior to joining the show. The competitive spirit and resilience displayed by stars like La Voix, who performed despite injury, resonate deeply with the show’s loyal fanbase.
Strictly’s judges have also weighed in throughout the series. Shirley Ballas, after awarding La Voix a score of two in October, offered advice: “Remember your choreography, love. I love you, but remember your choreography.” These candid moments have only added to La Voix’s charm, as she navigated the ups and downs of the competition with humor and grace.
For La Voix, the journey is far from over. The BBC has indicated that, should her recovery go as planned, she is expected to resume rehearsals next week and return to the dancefloor for the subsequent live show. In her own words, “I’ll be cheering on all the amazing couples this weekend.” Fans can look forward to an official medical update before the next broadcast, keeping hopes high for her comeback.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to air on Saturdays on BBC One, with spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two on BBC Two and both available on BBC iPlayer. As the competition intensifies and the finale draws near, the absence—and anticipated return—of a star like La Voix reminds viewers of the unpredictability and emotional stakes that make Strictly a staple of British television. Whether she’s cracking jokes, dazzling in sequins, or simply cheering from the sidelines, La Voix’s presence is sure to be felt in Blackpool and beyond.
