Katya Jones left a number of Strictly Come Dancing viewers concerned during Saturday’s show when she joined Nigel Harman to address his premature exit from the competition.
Harman was forced to withdraw from the series after sustaining an injury to his rib just hours before the quarter-finals.
While Harman did his best to keep his composure as he and Jones joined Claudia Winkleman on Saturday’s show to discuss their withdrawal, his pro partner couldn’t stop emotions from taking over.
After Harman explained the circumstances which led to his injury, Jones then weighed in to pay tribute to her celebrity partner before he returned the favour.
Winkleman then showed the pair a highlight reel from their time on the show which prompted an already tearful Jones to burst into tears and lean on Harman’s chest, which led the Strictly host to extend a supportive arm too.
Seeing Jones in such a state left several Strictly fans expressing their sympathy for the pro dancer – with some even pointing out a particular detail which would make the exit even harder for her.
Showing their concern, one X user said on social media: “Stoppp I’m actually devastated for Nigel and Katya. Poor Katya is mess, I really believed they were finalists gutted for them #Strictly.”
A second weighed in: “Och…just terribly sad when injuries curtail people’s progress in #Strictly …Katya trying her best to hold it together…pain killers numbing Nigel’s pain AND disappointment.”
Elsewhere, a third highlighted why it hit Jones particularly hard: “It’s Katya’s second partner to quit the competition, I’m feeling so sorry for her (and also Nigel, obvs) #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly.”
Another fan admitted: “Absolutely gutted for Katya and Nigel. Just want to give Katya the biggest hug. They should be so proud of all they achieved. #Strictly.”
Meanwhile, a fifth shared: “Oh that was emotional, they’re both so devastated! The highlights reel was just too much, ugh I’m gonna miss these two so much. Nigel & Katya, you two were just special #Strictly.”
And a sixth showed their support for Jones: “Aww I want to give Katya a hug. She was so thrilled last week when they got through and she’s been having a great series #Strictly.”
In the interview, Harman delved into the details of the incident as he told Winkleman: “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 but when I landed I was in A&E.
“I’ve done something to my rib basically, and it’s quite painful and I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well.”
WATCH HERE: Nigel Harman addresses ‘disappointing’ Strictly scores
Jones soon weighed in: “It’s quite hard to talk right now, I’m not going to lie. But I have absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on a dance floor.
“I know the reasons you did this was for your daughter and your parents and especially missing out on this number, I know your parents would be very, very proud of you.
“I hope you got something out of this that you’re going to cherish forever in your broken rib.”
With Harman and Jones longer in the contest, there will be no public vote this week and the likes of Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft will have their scores combined with next weekend’s.
