Strictly's Katya Jones details emotional consequences of Nigel Harman's shock exit

Strictly dancer Katya Jones has admitted it’s been “hard to come to terms with” her and partner Nigel Harman’s sudden exit from the competition.

The pro dancer and former EastEnders actor Harman had been paired up on the BBC ballroom competition and had been turning in strong scores. But they recently had to pull out of the show when Harman hurt his rib during rehearsals.

Jones has opened up about their departure to viriginradio.co.uk, saying how “proud” she was of what they achieved during their spin around the dancefloor.

“He's recovering,” she said. “I know, obviously, emotionally, it's hard to come to terms with, but it happens. It's totally out of our hands.”

Jones said they hadn't anticipated their abrupt exit, adding: "We did everything we could to bring joy and entertainment to every Saturday night. I think we did that successfully. And I'm so proud.”

What happened to Nigel Harman?

It was then announced last week that Harman was hanging up his dancing shoes ahead of the quarter final. A BBC spokesperson said: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly."

Harman also explained on Strictly what had happened, telling fans that he had been tackling a jump when he got injured. “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men, and as I flew I was Peter Pan and as I landed I was in A & E,” he said.

"I've done something to my rib basically and it's quite painful,” he said.

How had Nigel Harman and Katya Jones been doing on the show?

Harman had been impressing judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood and many fans thought he could be a real contender to get his hands on the Glitterball trophy.

He was the only celeb to crack the 30 barrier in the first show, scoring 32 out of 40 for his debut dance and topping the leaderboard. He followed it up with several strong dances and consistently scored in the high 20s and lows 30s. And in Week 8, he and Jones managed an impressed 34 for their Couple’s Choice routine.

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones bonded on Strictly

Harman and Jones bonded during their time in the competition and Harman has admitted it feels odd that he is no longer rehearsing with the dancer each day.

Opening up on spin-off show It Takes Two, he said to Jones: “It was very strange waking up this morning and not dancing with you.” “It feels quite strange and surreal,” he said of having left the programme.

Jones also gave fans a peek at their friendship when she paid tribute to Harman on Instagram. She said the “beautiful memories” of their Strictly journey would stay with her, adding: “When we turned up every day and had our coffees, when we would have discussions about the story of our dance and our characters, every time you made me laugh, every time you gave me a reassuring hug.

“When I would get excited about your toilet breaks because you always belted out some amazing tunes whilst doing your business.”

“I am so grateful this partnership happened,” she said. “So proud of you and privileged to spend time with such an enormously talented human.”

Read more:

• Strictly Come Dancing pro 'gutted' after failing to fully recreate iconic lift

• Strictly Come Dancing responds to Nigel Harman 'backstage mood swings' claims 

• Strictly fans convinced there's 'no point to' the competition now

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