Drag artist La Voix, 45, won’t step onto the famed floor of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom this weekend — not because of a lack of passion, but because her body won’t let her. The Strictly Come Dancing star, known for her electric stage presence and razor-sharp performances, has been forced to withdraw from the annual Blackpool specials scheduled for Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025, after sustaining an injury that doctors say requires immediate rest. Her professional partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, will also sit out, and the pair will receive a bye through to next week’s show — a rule the BBC has used before, most recently when actor Stefan Dennis exited in October after a calf strain.
"My Heart Truly Breaks"
La Voix’s personal statement, released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, carried the weight of someone who had counted the days until the Blackpool shows. "It is with immense sadness that I have to withdraw... My heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue," she wrote. She didn’t just mention the venue — she named its soul. The Tower Ballroom isn’t just a stage; it’s hallowed ground for ballroom dancers, where champions have been made since 1926. For La Voix, a drag performer who’s spent decades turning nightlife into art, this was more than a TV appearance — it was a homecoming.
She praised Skorjanec, her Slovenian partner since the season began in September 2025, calling their work "incredibly hard" and their excitement "genuine." The two had been building momentum, with judges praising their chemistry and La Voix’s surprising grace in the foxtrot and quickstep. Now, that momentum is paused — not ended.
What Happens Now?
With La Voix and Skorjanec out, the field shrinks from seven couples to six for the Blackpool weekend. That means each remaining pair will perform two dances — one compulsory, one freestyle — instead of the usual single routine. The show’s producers confirmed the format won’t change, but the energy will. The absence of La Voix’s bold, theatrical style leaves a gap no one else can fill.
Guest performers will help fill the void: singer Lewis Capaldi will perform live, pop group Steps will return to the floor, and former finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams will take part in special ensemble numbers. The BBC says the show will go on — and it will, but it won’t feel the same.
A Pattern Emerges
This isn’t the first time injury has derailed a Strictly star this season. In October, Stefan Dennis — best known for playing Neighbours’ Paul Robinson — pulled out after a calf tear. His exit triggered the same bye rule, and now, La Voix’s withdrawal confirms a troubling trend: the physical toll of Strictly’s schedule is escalating. Dancers are expected to learn, rehearse, and perform multiple styles — often in high heels — across seven days a week. Add to that the pressure of live TV, and it’s no surprise bodies are breaking down.
Medical professionals advising La Voix didn’t specify the injury’s nature — no torn ligaments, no fractures, just "rest." But the fact that she’s out for two shows suggests something more than a bruise. It’s likely a strain, possibly in the hip or lower back — common in dancers who rely on explosive movement and core control. Her recovery window — just one week — is tight. If she doesn’t heal fast, the new "Instant Dance" challenge next week could be a nightmare.
The Instant Dance: A New Test
Here’s the twist: next weekend, November 29–30, 2025, the show introduces the "Instant Dance" — a 10-second prep, no music preview, no second chances. Contestants must learn and perform a brand-new routine on the spot. For La Voix, who thrives on choreographed precision, this could be her biggest hurdle yet. If she returns, she’ll need to adapt quickly. If she doesn’t? The competition could move on without her.
But here’s what the BBC won’t say outright: La Voix’s popularity makes her a ratings magnet. Her drag persona brings a fresh audience to Strictly — one that doesn’t always tune in for traditional ballroom. Her absence could mean a dip in viewership, especially among younger, LGBTQ+ viewers. That’s why the show is so keen to get her back.
What’s Next?
The next update will come Friday, November 28, 2025, when the BBC releases a health bulletin. If La Voix is cleared, she’ll return for the Instant Dance. If not, the producers may need to scramble — perhaps bringing in a replacement partner, though that’s never been done in Strictly’s 21-year history.
Meanwhile, Skorjanec, who’s danced with 12 celebrities since joining in 2013, is quietly preparing. He’s not just waiting — he’s training. "I’m not letting this break us," he told a crew member off-camera on Tuesday. "We’ve got one goal: that floor again. And we will dance."
Legacy of the Tower
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has hosted Strictly’s most memorable moments since 2006. From Alistair McGowan’s tango to Joe McFadden’s samba, it’s where legends are born. For La Voix, this was meant to be her moment. She’s not just a contestant — she’s a trailblazer. A drag queen on prime-time BBC, dancing the Viennese waltz with elegance and defiance. Her story isn’t over. It’s just paused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did La Voix get a bye instead of being eliminated?
Strictly Come Dancing has a longstanding rule that allows couples to receive a "bye" — meaning they skip a week without penalty — if they’re injured or ill, as confirmed by the BBC. This prevents unfair elimination due to circumstances beyond their control. The same rule was applied to Stefan Dennis in October 2025 after his calf injury. La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec will return in Week 10, ranked as if they danced, with no score deduction.
How will La Voix’s absence affect the competition?
With seven couples reduced to six, each remaining pair will perform two dances instead of one — increasing the workload for the other contestants and judges. The scoring system adjusts proportionally, but the absence of La Voix’s unique performance style removes a major fan favorite and cultural touchstone. Her drag artistry brought visibility to LGBTQ+ audiences, and her absence may impact viewership ratings, particularly among younger demographics.
What is the "Instant Dance" challenge?
Introduced in Week 10 (November 29–30, 2025), the "Instant Dance" requires couples to learn and perform a brand-new routine in just 10 seconds after hearing the music for the first time. No rehearsals, no preview — just raw talent under pressure. For La Voix, if she returns, this will test her adaptability. For others, it’s a high-stakes gamble. Only one couple has ever failed it in Strictly history — and they were eliminated.
Is La Voix’s injury related to her being a drag performer?
Not directly — but drag performance often involves high heels, dramatic movement, and core-intensive choreography, which can strain joints and muscles over time. While her injury isn’t confirmed as drag-related, her physical demands are unique among contestants. Unlike many celebrities, La Voix has spent years dancing in heels for live audiences, which may have contributed to cumulative wear. Medical advice focused on rest, not long-term damage, suggesting this is a temporary setback.
When is the Strictly Come Dancing final?
The 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to conclude with the live final on Saturday, December 21, 2025, at the BBC Television Centre in London. If La Voix returns next week, she’ll have five more weeks to compete — including the semi-final on December 14. Her chances of winning depend on recovery, but even if she doesn’t win, her impact on the show’s diversity and audience reach may outlast any trophy.
Has a drag artist ever won Strictly Come Dancing before?
No — La Voix would be the first drag performer to win the competition. While Layton Williams, a drag performer and actor, reached the final in 2021 and finished second, no drag artist has ever taken the Glitterball Trophy. La Voix’s presence has already rewritten the show’s history by bringing a new kind of visibility. Even if she doesn’t win, her journey has expanded what Strictly means to millions of viewers.
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