Strictly crew ‘relieved following Nigel Harman’s exit after his ‘mood swings’ and ‘storming off stage’ caused bad feelings behind the scenes’
The Strictly Come Dancing crew are said to be 'relieved' after Nigel Harman quit the show 'for medical reasons' just hours before the live show on Saturday.
The actor, 50, who had taken part in the competition with professional partner Katya Jones, 34, was forced to withdraw after attempting to perform a stunt during rehearsals which left him with a rib injury.
After his departure, it was reported that the Casualty star often had 'mood swings', which caused bad feelings among the staff backstage
Nigel was previously seen storming off the dance floor after receiving a disappointing score for his performance in Blackpool.
A source said The sun how the actor 'takes himself very seriously' as a performer and throws himself completely into his routines.
The Strictly Come Dancing crew are said to be 'relieved' after 50-year-old Nigel Harman left the show 'for medical reasons' just hours before Saturday's live show (pictured with professional partner Katya Jones)
It has now been reported that the Casualty star 'took himself very seriously' and often had mood swings which caused 'bad feelings' among the backstage staff
Continuing: 'So he's clearly very emotional when things don't go as he hoped. That often means that he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage.
“Viewers got a glimpse of that when he got disappointing scores for their quickstep in Blackpool.”
Before adding, “The crew and professionals of the show are like a close-knit family and the celebrities are welcomed into it. But if someone disrupts that long-standing dynamic, it can create bad feelings.”
MailOnline has contacted Nigel's representatives for comment.
Nigel and Katya's routine to Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean A Thing landed them second from bottom in the judges' standings in Blackpool, with a score of 31 points out of 40.
In a video shared on social media, Nigel could be seen quickly leaving the dance floor just seconds after the BBC cameras stopped filming.
Katya appeared confused and stood still for a moment before following along, while other participants happily danced and hugged.
The audience member who shared the video on Twitter also wrote: 'Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves? Nigel is broken tonight and couldn't even face dancing anymore when the theme and cameras stopped.
A source said: “The crew and professionals of the show are like a close-knit family and the celebrities are welcome in it. But if someone disrupts that long-standing dynamic, it can create bad feelings.”
Nigel was previously seen storming off the dance floor after receiving a disappointing score for his performance in Blackpool
Taking away someone's love for dance and self-confidence should not be what the show is about.”
MailOnline contacted Nigel's representatives at the time.
The couple both appeared on Saturday's show where Nigel told how he hurt his rib during a jump during rehearsals.
He said: 'I was about to get caught by some very handsome men, but when I landed I did something to my rib. I'm a little high on painkillers.'
When asked by host Claudia Winkleman if he enjoyed his time on the show, Nigel said: 'Oh, I enjoyed it, I enjoyed it. This doesn't really get through.
“When I saw everyone coming down the stairs, it really felt like I wasn't part of it anymore.”
Katya praised Nigel's hard work on the show and looked emotional at the thought of them no longer performing together.
She said: “I absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dance floor.
The couple both appeared on Saturday's show where Nigel told how he hurt his rib during a jump during rehearsals
He said: 'I was about to get caught by some very handsome men, but when I landed I did something to my rib. I'm a little high on painkillers
“I know the reasons he did this were for your daughter and your parents, and I know your parents will be very proud of you. I hope you find something out of this that you will cherish forever in your broken rib.”
Nigel replied: 'The only reason I'm standing here is because of all the work you've put into it. You challenge me, you push me, you support me. Most of all, you're just a part of me now.” He became emotional and added, “I can't even look at you!”
He and Katya were due to perform a Charleston to Step in Time from Mary Poppins as part of the programme's 'musicals week'.
Nigel's exit from the show comes a week after 'steamy' photos emerged of him and Katya practicing their moves for their steamy Rumba routine in a north London studio.
“When I saw everyone coming down the stairs, it really felt like I wasn't part of it anymore.”
COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: 'Absolutely exciting to confirm that I will be taking part in Britain's most iconic dancing competition! It's time to take it to the ballroom. I'm so excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!”
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: 'It still doesn't feel real that I'm going to do Strictly!! It's always been a dream of mine, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!'
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: 'I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can't wait to start training as a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I look forward to performing for everyone.”
Age: 57
Profession: Announcer and ex-tennis player
Annabel says: 'I've always loved watching Strictly and can't quite believe I'm going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and I'm looking forward to finding some joy in the process.'