La Voix broke down in tears over her sudden Strictly Come Dancing exit. The drag queen, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, was forced to pull out of the BBC Saturday night favourite after sustaining an injury on her foot, and became emotional as she and professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the results show on Sunday night.
She began: “This has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life. What I loved most, don’t hate me, it’s not the dancing, but it’s just being welcomed by everyone. I came into the show as a minority, as a redhead, and you’ve embraced me wonderfully. I cannot thank you enough. It’s been amazing.”
As Aljaz paid his own tribute to La Voix, the former Drag Race star wiped her eyes and then thanked him for everything he had done for her during their time on the programme.
La Voix appeared on Sunday’s results show ( Image: BBC)
She added: “I’m just so lucky. What you see on that dancefloor is a fraction of the love and the passion this man has for dance. You have made me carry on when I’ve questioned myself, made me laugh on the toughest day and when I thought I couldn’t do something, you never gave up on me. Not once. I am leaving this show more confident, and that’s because of you.”
Following her exit interview, La Voix was able to close out the Blackpool special as she descended onto the stage on a massive heart for a quick routine set to Love Is In The Air.
La Voix’s devastating news came just hours after she revealed it was a “sad day” due to missing the famous Blackpool week. The Drag Race icon had sustained an injury to her foot and was planning to miss this week, but had a guaranteed place on the show next week.
She revealed on social media that she had been sent a bouquet of flowers due to the news of having to sit Blackpool out. Fans on social media have also expressed their sadness, with one writing: “#Strictly So disappointed that La Voix has had to drop out as injured. I love her dry witticisms. How about her as one replacement next season for Claudia or Tess as a presenter?”
“La Voix, so sad they’ve had to pull out of #Strictly. Her witty quips were brilliant, never know she may front the show next year, or host the Clauditorium upstairs,” said a second. A third typed: “I’m so sad La Voix had to withdraw from the competition and the fact she and Aljaz aren’t creating magic for the rest of the season.”
After the emotional moment, La Voix bounced back as she closed out the show with a quick routine ( Image: BBC)
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Obviously this is utterly devastating and couldn’t have come at a worst time as every competitor really wants to reach the Blackpool stage.
“Plus at this point in the competition the final is almost within touching distance and La Voix had impressed both the judges and the viewers at home. Her commitment to the dance and improving every week was obvious, and she provided massive entertainment.”
Speaking on the spin-off show, It Takes Two, earlier in the week, La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, said that his foot had been causing havoc throughout the competition. This has been ongoing since the foxtrot. I felt a little niggle in my foot hence comments about me being flat-footed. I was thinking this will be fine, but it got gradually worse,” the star told fans.
La Voix added:We tried on Monday to learn this week’s dance but it was clear that I was really struggling and in pain. Until on Saturday, we had to change shoes. I couldn’t wear heels. I had to wear those awful flat shoes.”
When host Janette Manrara asked whether she would be returning after Blackpool, La Voix commented: “I hope so. Some people have said online that it’s just because I wanted to get out of doing the samba. I was desperate to get to Blackpool and do the samba. The production that was planned is going to be incredible!”
A statement from La Voix earlier in the week said: “My heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue. I am devastated not to be joining the rest of the cast on that famous dancefloor, but my focus now is on recovery.
“I’ll be cheering on all the amazing couples this weekend.”