Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman said they were 'devastated' as they spoke of Nigel Harman's shock exit from the show at the start of Saturday's live show.

The actor has been forced to withdraw from the BBC One dance contest alongside professional dance partner Katya Jones

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing hours before Saturday's live show is set to kick off – with partner Katya Jones left 'disappointed'

The actor was due to take part in Saturday night's Musicals week alongside professional dance partner Katya Jones right up until the eleventh hour.

Viewers were immediately confused as Musicals Week got underway

No-one will leave the competition tonight following the EastEnders star's departure

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing hours before Saturday's live show is set to kick off – with partner Katya Jones left 'disappointed'

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing hours before Saturday's live show is set to kick off – with partner Katya Jones left 'disappointed'

Fans are convinced there will be a huge change to the format

Strictly Come Dancing fans were quick to react to news of the songs and dances for the BBC show's Musicals Week

Harman quit the competition just hours before Saturday's live show.

Johannes Radebe and John Whaite had sizzling chemistry on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, but things got complicated when John admitted his feelings had bubbled over into real life

Jackiey Budden - who starred on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2007 - has shared her pride and joy at the fact Bobby has made it to the quarter finals of Strictly 2023

Strictly Come Dancing has returned for the all-important Musicals' Week of the competition, but who will come out on top?

Strictly Come Dancing is about to enter its 11th week, with more couples now out of the competition than in it.

The Casualty actor is the second person to have left this series, after Amanda Abbington quit the show due to "personal reasons".

It's been a dramatic series of Strictly Come Dancing, and we haven't even reached the semi final yet. 

The EastEnders star admitted his musicals week routine had been pushing him to his limits