STRICTLY Come Dancing's John Whaite has been struck down with a mystery bug - forcing him to pull out of panto.
The former Strictly contestant, 34, is currently appearing in Cinderella in Bradford but had to skip today's show at the last minute after falling ill.
John's absence meant an understudy had to stand in to play the role of Dandini while he stayed at home.
Taking to social media, the former Great British Bake Off winner has now thanked professional actor William Lewis for covering.
Sharing a picture of William on Instagram, John wrote: "This little superstar stood in for me today (I'm ill) and apparently he was sensational.
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"Proud of you (and so bloody grateful for you) @williamelijahlewis)."
Cinderella has been running at the The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford since December 9.
The show also stars comedian Billy Pearce as Buttons and Emmerdale's Samantha Giles as The Wicked Stepmother.
It runs until January 21, although John is yet to confirm when he will be back on stage.
The former Strictly contestant, who appeared on the BBC1 dancing show in 2021, has already received positive reviews.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one audience member said: "Highly recommend panto at the @BradfordTheatre Alhambra with the incomparable @1BillyPearce.
"Also features a shirtless John Whaite in crushed velvet tights."
John won The GBBO in 2012 and has been a regular TV chef on an array of daytime shows ever since, including Lorraine, This Morning, Sunday Brunch and Steph's Packed Lunch.
In 2021, he made history when he became one half of Strictly Come Dancing's first same-sex couple.
Paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, he made it to the final and they finished as runners-up.
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