STRICTLY star Nigel Harman broke his silence after he was forced to quit the show after sustaining an injury - saying he was rushed to A&E after a painful fall.
The Casualty actor, 50, announced just hours before today's live show that he was forced to quit due to a rib injury.
Nigel and pro dancer Katya joined hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly and their co-stars on tonight's programme.
Claudia told Nigel: "I know you're sad...tell us what happened?"
Addressing his early departure, an emotional Nigel said: "I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some handsome men, and as I flew I was Peter Pan and as I landed I was in A&E.
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"I've done something to my rib, it's quite painful and I'm a little bit high on painkillers but I'm having a lovely time."
Claudia told him: "You have been so amazing the two of you, have you enjoyed it?"
He replied: "I've loved it and I'm loving it. It's too soon to say loved.
"This hasn't really sunk in, when I watched everyone come down the stairs, I was like 'this is real, I'm not part of this anymore' and that was quite sad."
Glancing over at his pro partner, he continued: "I've been avoiding Katya all day because that makes it really real as well."
Claudia asked: "How proud are you of Nigel and the two of you?"
Fighting back tears, Katya said: "It's quite hard to talk right now, not going to lie.
"I've absolutely loved every moment of us creating magic on the dancefloor.
"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 will be very very proud of you and I hope you got something out of this that you're going to cherish forever in your broken rib."
The actor then praised Katya and said: "The only reason I'm standing here is because of all the work you put into me.
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"You turn up everyday with hundreds of great ideas, you challenge me, you push me, you support me, you make me laugh and then you do extraordinary things on the floor with choreography and creativity but most of all you're part of me now.
"I can't even look at you," with Katya breaking down in tears as he hid her face on his shoulder and screeched: "Don't look at me."
During the tonight's opening, the hosts shared a heartfelt message to the ex-EastEnders star.
Claudia said: "As you can see we only have four couples, unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight's show and has had to withdraw from the competition."
Tess added: "We are as devastated as he is. But Nigel and Katya will be chatting to us later on in the show."
The pair also revealed that bosses have made the decision to scrap this week's elimination - instead the remaining celebs - Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier - will all make it through to next round.
Claudia said: "That means there will be no public vote tonight and no elimination this weekend."
Tess continued: "But the judges will still be scoring and those scores will be carried over."
Claudia added: "You'll be able to vote as usual next week."
The Sun revealed earlier today that Nigel had made the decision to quit the show after an injury.
A source said: "Nigel wasn't in training this morning, and other dancers were informed later on in the day. He and Katya were really disappointed as they were hoping to stay in the competition.
"They hadn't been in the bottom two so had a real chance of making it to the finals.
"Nigel has been training really hard and really threw himself into rehearsals."
A BBC spokesperson said: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained a rib injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.”
Their departure is the second shock exit of the series after Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice withdrew from the competition on medical grounds.
