Strictly Come Dancing: 'Devastated' Laura Whitmore pulls out of tonight's show

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Laura Whitmore said she is "absolutely devastated" after pulling out of tonight’s show because of an ankle injury.

The TV host, who survived the dance-off last week, said she did not want to sit out the competition and would be dancing if she had her way.

She wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely devastated. It was a decision taken out of my hands. If it was my choice, I'd be on the dance floor doing my jive with Gio.

"This was by far my favourite dance. We all train really hard. All of us dancing, have aches and pains and I didn't realise the severity of my injury until it was too late. I'm sorry to let you all down.

"My priority is to follow the doctors instructions to get myself on my feet again without permanent damage and do the thing I love the most, dancing!

"Thanks to all my fellow contestants for the support they have given me in the last 24 hours."

A spokeswoman for the show said: "Laura Whitmore will not perform on tonight's Strictly Come Dancing due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the week.

"She has been checked by a doctor and the medical team on site and they have advised that she rests her ankle and does not dance this weekend.

"As per the rules of Strictly Come Dancing - because Laura and Giovanni cannot dance on tonight's show - they will receive a bye through to next week and the show will continue with a public vote as per usual.

"We wish Laura a very speedy recovery."

On Thursday Whitmore, who is partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, wrote on Twitter: "Today is not a good day. Positive thoughts," and earlier in the week shared a picture of her partner lifting her and wrote: "Been jiving all day and my feet are on fire!! So @pernicegiovann1 is going to have to carry me around! I can't feel my toes."

It has already been announced that professional dancer Brendan Cole will be missing from Saturday's show due to illness.