Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Tony Adams WITHDRAWS from the competition
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Tony Adams sensationally retired from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night and withdrew from the competition with an injury.
The former Arsenal footballer and his professional partner Katya Jones will now miss the show’s iconic trip to Blackpool Tower, with Tyler West and Dianne Buswell automatically taking their place.
A BBC source said: ‘When Tony found out he was coming out of the dance, he had a chat with the producers and stated that both he and the physio were concerned that re-dancing the jive in the dance-off could cause further injuries. and he had therefore decided that he would instead withdraw from the competition.”
The BBC declined to explain what the injury was or how it happened, calling it a personal, medical matter, although it was speculated that he had injured his hamstring, a common complaint for footballers.
Everywhere: Tony Adams sensationally retired from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night and withdrew from the competition with an injury
But there were no signs of hurting himself during his jive to Wilson Pickett’s Land of 1000 Dances with partner Katya, for which he won 24 out of 40 points – the lowest of the night.
A source in the studio said Adams looked “upset” after the show ended on Saturday night.
“Something was wrong, something was going on,” they told the Daily Mail. “He had trouble walking and was holding his leg.”
Week eight is considered one of the most pivotal of the series, as it is the last show before the celebrities head to Blackpool to perform the world-famous Tower Ballroom.
Nightmare: The former footballer and his professional partner Katya Jones will now miss the show’s iconic trip to Blackpool Tower, with Tyler West and Dianne Buswell passing through
Mystery: The BBC refused to explain what the injury was or how it happened, calling it a personal medical matter
Adams came under increased pressure from Strict fans to quit the competition after staying out last Sunday, while Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds – a favorite to reach the final – was sent home. She had scored 12 points more than Adams for her dance.
Her departure prompted devoted followers of the BBC dance program to write to the Corporation bosses and share their anger on social media as well. They insisted that he leave the show to give his more talented co-stars a chance to stay.
They were also furious with Arsenal fans for voting for Adams, 56, to stay when he scored such low numbers.
Stripping: Adams suffered an injury on Saturday night and was unable to participate in the dance off on Sunday
A source from the show said: ‘Tony staying on the show became a real problem for the BBC, they always like to have a range of skills but usually these exits happen naturally, at the times when they should be early in the series.
But Tony’s huge fan base meant this was not the case and while Arsenal fans elected him to stay, some of whom didn’t even watch the show, others were kicked out. Tony was under pressure to go and now he has.’
The remaining couples headed to the ballroom hoping to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Chief Judge Shirley Ballas and the voting public.
But after Adams had to withdraw and was unable to fight for his place in the competition, presenter Tess Daly explained: “Due to an injury sustained on Saturday night, Tony cannot participate in the dance-off and has decided to withdraw from the competition.
Tony said, ‘They’re emotional guys, I cried the first month. I came here with one message, if you have a mental health problem please don’t suffer in silence and seek help’
“This means there’s no dancing tonight and Tyler and Dianne are through to Blackpool.”
When Tess asked him about his time on the show, he said, “They were emotional guys, I cried the first month. I came here with one message: if you have a mental health problem, please don’t suffer in silence and get help.”
He continued, “I didn’t realize I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process. I thought this ‘journey’ was bullshit, but my god, the roller coaster of emotion. I have to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough out there, but dancing is really great for you.
“Go out and enjoy it, learn new skills and explore. I think I better call this one [Katya] I wasn’t, she’s an exceptional person, she really is.’
When asked if she had words for her partner, Katya said, “Tony Adams, I will be forever grateful to partner with you, you know what I loved?
‘I loved us, I loved that we didn’t care what people thought, we did every dance our way! You came here with a message, you set a good example, you put yourself out there and show everyone that you can do anything. And everyone deserves to be loved and loved! I love you.’
Chief judge Shirley added: “Tony, from the very first moment you set foot on the ground with your tango, to the last moment and the last kick, you gave us 100% of your heart.
“You’ve grown week after week after week, you’ve become one of the country’s favorite entertainers.
“On behalf of the judges, we loved every second of you, you really are what this show is all about, and we can only wish you all the best as you move forward. Please keep dancing, keep entertaining people, because you are a star. Well done.’
Sunday’s results opened with a moving tribute to Remembrance Sunday in a beautiful ballroom number from our Strictly professionals and the incredible Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Zak Abel performed their single Same Boat.
The remaining eight couples will take to the dance floor next time when Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Blackpool Tower.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANCE 2022: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so glad they have this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m leaving home in my pajamas watching actual dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: former athlete
Ellie says: “Being asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: radio dj
Tyler says: “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a sequin side.”
ELLIE TAYLORO
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m over the moon to be part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the temptation of the sequins and the call of the salsa makes me swap my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly Soft boots.”
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: “I know it will be a huge challenge, but that’s what life is all about. This is also my mom’s favorite show and she’s been through some rough years, so I’m doing this for her too. Bring it on!’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Mollie says: “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.”
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
fleur says: “I’m just as nervous and excited to be part of this year’s Strictly lineup. I’m excited to learn new skills and want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Professionaln: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
hamza says: “I’m over the moon to participate in Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.”
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio channel
Helen says: ‘I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started”